Strength in action – A history of EB outcomes
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 124 No 5, 5 July 2019, page no. 10
The process of negotiating wage increases through collective or enterprise bargaining has been in place since the ACTU, under Bob Hawke, signed the Accord in the 1990s. QTU members have taken industrial action, or been prepared to take action, to support their claims for salaries and conditions since that time.
EB | Action | Outcome |
1994 |
In the lead up to this agreement, members in primary schools and special schools participated in a campaign for non-contact time, which saw the first hour introduced in 1994 and the second in 1996. Two days of action were taken to advance claims for advanced skills teacher. Work bans were put in place on student performance standards (SPS). |
Three-year salary increase freeze broken. AST established. SPS was not implemented |
1997 |
Strike action was undertaken across the state in response to the government’s introduction of its Leading Schools agenda. Partial agreement reached in conciliation at QIRC. Four matters were determined by arbitration. |
School based management guarantees were introduced. Senior teacher was introduced by the QIRC. Government introduced six weeks’ paid maternity leave across the public sector. Flat rate for casual/supply teachers was determined by arbitration. |
2000 |
Strike action resulted in the QTU claim being referred to arbitration.Decision was made by QIRC. |
Salary outcomes delivered in arbitration resulted in Queensland classroom teachers at the top of the scale being remunerated the same as their NSW colleagues ($50,000 for a senior teacher) and inequities in salaries for principals established by the Leading Schools program were addressed (additional 5 per cent increase for school leaders) |
2003 |
Work bans and some self-selected centres undertook industrial action |
Class size targets were achieved. Executive principals were established. Additional 1 per cent remuneration for school leaders. |
2006 |
Members prepared for strike action. Work bans were undertaken.Matter referred for conciliation and arbitration by QIRC. Agreement was reached following conciliation. |
Implementation of the Mercer review of promotional positions – creation of three streams. Separation of heads of program and school leaders. Primary DPs access Band 7 salary for first time, which resulted in salary levels in excess of government wages policy for promotional positions. |
2009 |
Members participated in two days of strike action and work bans. |
EST, summer vacation pay for temporary teachers, RAIS Review implementation. Additional 2.5 per cent increase for promotional positions. |
2012 |
Members prepared to take industrial action after a successful postal ballot return to ECQ. Government sought to introduce performance pay for classroom teachers, contracts for school leaders, a three- year salary freeze for beginning teachers and to strip away conditions from the award and agreement and make them government policy, meaning they could be changed at the whim of the government. Government also sought to undermine the consultation provisions of industrial instruments. Two statewide rallies. |
Salary increase of 2.7 per cent p.a., which was more than government wages policy of 2.2 per cent p.a. Protection of conditions. No contracts for school leaders. Salary freeze for beginning teachers abandoned. |
2016 |
Members balloted for industrial action. Government offer made during ballot process accepted by members. |
HAT and LT introduced. PPCR undertaken. Access to EST improved as well as salaries (average increase 3.1 per cent p.a.). Improved beginning teacher salaries (average p.a. increase 3.0 per cent). Clarity re NCT, including replacement of NCT for planned school activities. Purpose, frequency and duration of staff meetings to be agreed at the local level.Enhanced dispute resolution and consultation provisions. |