The importance of solidarity and adherence to our values
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 7, 3 October 2025, page no 5.
A strong union is good for all workers. It represents and fights for its members jobs, salaries, conditions and safety every day. The QTU is one such union. It exists to serve its members — teachers and leaders in state schools and TAFE. This work is summed up in our five values: professional, courageous, united, democratic and member focused.
We strive to maintain high standards of work, and to deal with members and their issues sensitively and respectfully. We implement the decisions of the collective, regardless of the difficulties or obstacles that stand in our way. We work collaboratively and stand together to achieve the best outcomes for our membership. We involve members in Union decision making and implement these decisions on behalf of members. We ensure that members’ issues and decisions are central to our work. We work with members and on behalf of members to achieve our objectives.
These values and the QTU’s mission to be the most democratic and representative voice of the teaching profession in Queensland on industrial and professional matters and in support of public education underpin the QTU’s work.
The notion of collectivism and solidarity does not allow for ego. As a Union, we know that we are stronger when we work together collectively; when we apply principles of democracy to our decision-making; and when we ensure that all members are treated with dignity, safety and respect.
That’s why we implemented the QTU’s Statement of Safety and Respect — to ensure that members feel safe to raise their voices without fear of retribution.
There is no place in our Union for any form of violence, including gender-based violence and misogyny – this is the antithesis of union values.
Most of us know when we feel safe and respected. However, we seldom define the element of respect. For me it comes down to taking the time to listen and to enter into conversations or debates. It is important to understand that while others’ views may differ from mine, at the end of the day we are all acting in what we believe to be the best interests of members and should be able to walk away from the conversation or meeting with the relationships intact. The way I behave towards others should not cause offence.
I refer to this as “professional kindness”. In the Union, we debate, we disagree, we have alternate views, but we still exercise a degree of kindness or care towards the person/people with whom we have had the disagreement. In the end, whether or not our arguments are successful, we are bound by the decisions of Council and required to implement them. This is what a united, professional, democratic union does.
Now more than ever, it is imperative that the QTU remains united and adheres to its values. With the campaign for a fair EB settlement in schools still ongoing, and TAFE and CQU agreements due to be replaced next year, we need to ensure that the Union remains strong.
At its core, our Union is real — established by teachers and school leaders for teachers and school leaders.
As a real union, i.e. a registered organisation, the QTU is subject to the governance of a union. The QTU has and will continue to ensure that members money is spent in their best interests — interests determined by our democratic structures. This includes 120 branches and area councils who are represented on state council, providing members from across Queensland with a voice in decisions relating to our profession, working conditions and workplace health and safety.
The QTU has more than 136 years of experience representing, advocating and fighting for Queensland’s state school teachers, school leaders and TAFE educators — no other organisation can do or has done what the QTU does.
That is why we have fought so hard to ensure that only registered organisations, formed by the profession for the profession, have the right to represent our members in EB and other negotiations.
When you work for the benefit of the collective, not for the benefit of a business selling membership, you win.
Ultimately, the QTU is the only union for Queensland’s state school teachers, school leaders and TAFE educators.