45 years on and Sue's still "Making Noise"!
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 127 No 2, 11 March 2022, page no.16
Late last year, I was privileged to attend the farewell of retired teacher and QTU Representative, Sue Wells. In February this year, we met to discuss her experience as a Union activist.
Early career
Sue began teaching in Logan in 1976. Back then, it was compulsory to join a union and only one Union Rep was allocated to a school, regardless of how many teachers or students it had. Most of these positions were held by men.
Growing up, her mum had been involved in labour politics, so when she transferred to Mt Isa for country service she found herself naturally drawn to improving workers’ conditions. Teachers fought for better accommodation (which at the time was appalling) and better incentives (this was before RAIS). Even though times were changing and the women’s liberation movement had opened up career avenues for women, at the time a female Union Rep was a rarity and would often be labelled “aggressive”.
Becoming a Union Rep – 1982
Sue’s Union activism took off when she transferred to a small 4-5 teacher school with a teaching principal in Mt Petrie. They needed a QTU Rep – so she stepped up. Although Sue had a young family, she could still attend branch meetings, thanks to the QTU’s childcare allowance (still available today).
While she found her school environment harmonious, Sue became increasingly frustrated that the working conditions at the time didn’t allow her to use sick leave for her morning sickness. There was still much work to do to improve the working conditions of women.
Returning to full-time work in the 1990s – ‘Keep Making Noise’
When Sue returned to work after taking time to raise her children, she underwent some great Union training, which encouraged her to speak up. When she first rose to speak at a Union meeting she was visibly shaking, but she knew her stuff. She found herself increasingly involved in Area Council meetings and EB campaigns, including the all-important EB1 non-contact time campaign, through which primary school teachers secured NCT for the first time. In the 90s, her confidence as a Rep grew, and she wasn’t afraid to “Keep Making Noise” when issues arose at school. More Reps came on board, and she loved the companionship of like-minded people.
Favourite campaigns
Sue remembers the Woodridge Branch fondly, particularly a local campaign fought for the right to wear jeans to work in the 70s. Leslie McFarlane was President of the branch and Sue recalls Leslie’s rallying call at the well-attended meetings – the department had no right to tell women how to dress. Sue felt inspired.
The fight needs to continue – part-time
After having children, Sue asked to return to work part-time, but was told she had to come back full-time or find a new school. Even though she had a teaching colleague to job share with, she made the difficult decision to return full-time. Unfortunately, the QTU still hears of similar situations today. When it came to transitioning to retirement, however, Sue asserted her industrial rights and reduced her working week to four days, and then to three. Sue reiterates that access to part-time is essential and something that we need to continue to fight for.
Advice for new Reps
Sue’s advice is, first and foremost, be a teacher. Always do your homework on campaigns and topics, and if you don’t know, ask! Find a mentor, and attend as much training as possible, because it is here that you can network with other people.
The QTU played a major role in Sue’s teaching career. By knowing her working conditions, she has secured better support for her students and has actively campaigned to secure better funding and resourcing for state schools.
Sue has been very satisfied within her teaching career and feels that she has not only made a difference in teaching, but in her Union. I wish Sue all the best in her retirement and hope that she continues to “Keep Making Noise”.