Navigating the bargaining period: What you need to know about the EB negotiations
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 2, 11 April 2025, page no 11.
As we approach the expiry of the current certified agreement on 30 June, the bargaining process that will shape the future of our working conditions, pay, and professional recognition has begun.
It is crucial for all QTU members to stay informed and engaged in this important period, which will ultimately impact upon our classrooms, our workloads, and our students.
The first official bargaining session took place on Friday 14 February, and set the tone for the coming months. During this session, the single bargaining unit (SBU), which is made up of representatives of the QTU, the Department of Education, and the Office of Industrial Relations, discussed key issues such as bargaining protocols, legislative requirements, and the Good Faith Bargaining Agreement, laying the groundwork for a smooth and transparent bargaining process. Among the main elements covered were the Good Faith Bargaining Guidelines and a commitment to an intensive meeting schedule. The SBU also agreed on an interest-based bargaining approach and introduced a meeting model known as “sprint and pause”. This approach is designed to balance fast-paced negotiation sessions with periods of reflection and consultation.
The sprint and pause model: Efficiency in negotiation
Under the “sprint and pause” model, most weeks will see two bargaining sessions, each lasting five hours. This rigorous schedule ensures that discussions are thorough and focused. However, there will also be strategic breaks built into the timetable to allow for internal consultations within the department, discussions with the Office of Industrial Relations, and input from Treasury.
These breaks are not simply downtime – they are essential moments for gathering information and seeking approvals from within the government and within the QTU. This process will help ensure that bargaining remains efficient and that the outcomes reflect the needs and concerns of our members.
In June, as we approach the expiry of the certified agreement, the frequency of meetings may increase in order to resolve any remaining issues before the deadline. The Union will work tirelessly to ensure that, no matter what happens, our collective voice is heard and we secure the best possible outcomes for our profession.
The bargaining process is more than just a series of meetings – it is the foundation of the conditions under which we work. The outcomes of these negotiations will have a direct impact on salaries and conditions, and other critical areas that affect our day-to-day roles as educators.
By engaging in interest-based bargaining, the SBU aims to ensure that all parties involved work collaboratively toward mutually beneficial solutions. It is an opportunity for us to bring our experiences in the classroom to the table and push for improvements that reflect the challenges and opportunities we face in our profession.
As the bargaining period unfolds, it is vital that all Union members remain informed and actively participate in the process. The frequency of the meetings – typically twice a week – means that updates and developments will come quickly. Teachers must stay connected to the Union for timely information and guidance on how to support the bargaining team’s efforts.
As educators, we know that the work we do in our classrooms is foundational to the success of our students and the health of our communities. However, the environment in which we work must also be conducive to success. By staying informed, engaged, and unified, we can ensure that our profession continues to be supported and valued through the outcomes of this bargaining period.
Now more than ever, it is important that we continue to stand together. The decisions made in the coming months will have a long-lasting impact on our working conditions, and by participating in the process, we will ensure that those decisions reflect our needs, aspirations, and commitment to quality education for all.
For more information click here (https://www.qtu.asn.au/eb11).