QTU member wins
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 128 , 21 July 2023, page no.18
The QTU has a proud tradition of winning with and for members on a collective and individual level. We win every day. Some of these wins are significant in terms of the impact they have on the lives of our members and our profession as a whole.
In a recent case, the QTU secured more than $30,000 in back pay for a member whose starting classification was miscalculated by the department after they entered teaching from another sector. The member only realised there was a problem when they attended a QTU “Know Your Working Conditions” session and then sought advice and assistance from the Union.
In another case, the QTU assisted a member in winning a retrospective pro-rata long service leave payment after resigning from the department. The member misunderstood what was required to access their entitlements and their Union stepped in and ensured they were paid the outstanding amount.
We have assisted a casual employee to access retrospective payment of two periods of maternity leave after the department incorrectly advised them that they were ineligible. As the member was a long-term casual, as defined under the Industrial Relations Act 2016, we were able to assist them in seeking back payment.
These are just some of the individual wins we achieve every day for members across the state. But we also achieve significant collective wins at a workplace, regional and statewide level.
As reported on page 8, cost of living adjustment (COLA) payments are due in late August this year. In negotiating the specific arrangements for teachers and school leaders as part of the recent certified agreement, the QTU was able to ensure the maximum number of eligible employees would receive this payment.
We also provide excellent advice and support for members and workplace representatives via the Queensland Teachers’ Assist Desk service, which receives literally thousands of calls each month. This advice and support ensure that our members are educated about their rights and entitlements and the courses of action available to them to seek the best outcome possible.
Even some of the most basic wins at a workplace level can have a significant impact when we share action taken and the outcomes we achieve. Whether it is ensuring meal breaks are compliant with the award and certified agreement, a review of the playground duty roster, or work health and safety disputes about student behavior, unsafe facilities or work practices; all can lead to collective wins.
We can achieve these wins for three main reasons.
- The QTU is the only truly democratic industrial and professional voice for the profession in state schools and TAFE in Queensland.
- As a registered union under the Industrial Relations Act 2016, the QTU has a right to represent members in their workplace and directly with their employer and seek outcomes that are not possible without this authority.
- The collective strength and power of a Union with more than 48, 000 members means that when we work collectively together, we win.
As we head into the second half of 2023, think about the recent wins QTU members have had in your workplace. We should celebrate these and talk to our colleagues about the reasons they should be part of the collective strength of the QTU.