TAFE EB11: your questions answered
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 128 No 1, 17 February 2023, page no. 15
What is an EB?
EB is a common abbreviation for enterprise bargaining. Chapter 4 of the Industrial Relations Act, 2016, provides for good faith bargaining between employers, like TAFE Queensland, and employees, represented by their union, enabling them to reach agreement on working conditions and salaries. The same chapter also sets out the protected action that can be taken and the conciliation processes available if agreement cannot be reached.
The aim of the EB11 negotiations will be to replace the current TAFE Queensland Educators Certified Agreement, which has a nominal expiry date of 30 June.
Who does the TAFE Queensland Educators Certified Agreement apply to?
All those employed as educators by TAFE Queensland are covered by the certified agreement. It also applies to:
- TAFE Queensland, obligating the employer on matters like undertaking consultation pursuant to government policy on employment security and gender equity
- employee organisations, like the QTU, which can represent you in dispute resolution processes.
How does the certified agreement relate to other industrial instruments?
The certified agreement should be read in conjunction with the TAFE Queensland Award – State 2016, as well as other industrial instruments covering employees, such as public service directives on leave entitlements. In the event of inconsistency with existing awards and industrial instruments, the terms of the current certified agreement will usually take precedence.
What is the role of the QTU in enterprise bargaining?
The QTU is the industrial representative of TAFE tutors, teachers, leading vocation teachers, education team leaders, and higher educators. We conduct negotiations for a replacement certified agreement, a process we began last year with our statewide listening tour.
At the local level, members elect branch officers, including rank and file representation to our QTU TAFE Council. Throughout the EB11 process, the QTU negotiating team will be consulting with branches and their elected officials at TAFE Council.
How can I be involved in EB11?
Dates and venues for QTU branch meetings are advertised at www.qtu.asn.au/tafe – scroll down and click the “branch meetings” tab.
The QTU will also be providing regular updates to members in the form of EB Bulletins. If you are not receiving EB Bulletins, check your membership status at www.qtu.asn.au/member or call our membership team on (07) 3512 9000.
What has already happened?
The QTU began EB11 consultation with members and branches in 2022. In August, TAFE Council participated in a workshop, and this was repeated in TAFE workplaces as part of our statewide listening tour. QTU members have also informed our EB strategy by sending ideas to qtu_tafe_eb@qtu.asn.au
What is included in the EB11 strategy?
The QTU’s EB11 strategy will be endorsed by TAFE Council at its meeting in March. The log of claims, which can be found on the QTU website, is grouped into ten categories:
- Administration
- Allowances
- Industrial
- Online/virtual learning working conditions
- Permanency
- Professional development
- Professionalism
- Safety
- Salaries
- Workload.
What are the EB11 priorities?
The QTU’s EB11 priorities will be determined by TAFE Council at its meeting in March. In making its determination, TAFE Council will receive a report on the themes and priorities identified by QTU member engagement, including our statewide listening tour and branch motions.
What next?
After TAFE Council’s meeting in March, the QTU will be sending a notice of intention to commence bargaining, which will include the EB11 priorities determined by TAFE Council.
Regular reports on the progress of bargaining will be provided through this Journal, EB Bulletins, and official QTU social media.
How does this impact on CQU members?
The current round of enterprise bargaining does not impact directly on CQU members, because they are covered by the Central Queensland University Enterprise Agreement.