QTU Members' newsflash No. 16-22,  9 December 2022 | Open PDF 

TO: QTU MEMBERS

Thank you, and happy holidays!

Today marks the end of the 2022 school year, a year that proved once again that when we campaign together, we can win. At the start of the year, we successfully campaigned against the extension of the school year (and this term), during the school year we negotiated a successful EB outcome, and at the end of the year we had a win for part-time teachers hoping to access ST, EST and EST2. We have again proven that the collective strength of teachers and school leaders should never be underestimated.

Thank you for all that you have done during this year, which has had many unique challenges. Next year is sure to have its own challenges and complexities, however we know that, working together, we can overcome the hurdles and find meaningful solutions.

As QTU members across the state start their holidays, we want to recognise all that you do with and for your school communities and for your students every day. We know that you work hard to ensure the best learning opportunities for every student in every community across the state.

We hope that you return from holidays healthy, well rested, and ready to implement the new agreement, which is scheduled for certification on 15 December. We will advise you when you can expect the salary increase and the anticipated back pay from 1 July 2022 as soon as possible. Don’t forget, you must be employed on the date of certification to receive the back pay.

One of the QTU’s priorities in 2023 is to campaign in support of our First Nations colleagues and students and ensure a Voice to Parliament, and we will also be continuing to work together to address the teacher shortage, actively participate in the school resourcing review and ensure everyone is safe at work.

We’ve started this work by developing our 2023 State Budget Submission, which reflects our belief that education is the foundation on which Queensland’s future economic prosperity can be built and that the state government should view the funding of education as an investment for future generations. A copy of the submission, which has been sent to the Premier, Treasurer and Ministers for Education and Training as well as other MPs, is available to members on the QTU website.

Now, however, it is time to disconnect from work and enjoy your holidays. The right to disconnect means that work emails should be met with an out-of-office response, stating that you will not be responding during the school vacation period.

The QTU office will be closed from 3pm on 23 December and will reopen on Monday 9 January at 8.30am. An emergency contact number will be available on the QTU website for urgent legal matters that arise during the shutdown.

We will also be pausing all but emergent communications to you via email and online during the school vacation period.

We hope you have a safe, restful, and joy-filled holiday and come back refreshed when the school year recommences in 2023.

​​​​​Authorised by:

Kate Ruttiman
General Secretary 

 Authorised by Kate Ruttiman, General Secretary, Queensland Teachers' Union
21 Graham Street, Milton, QLD, Australia, 4064