Still no offer in EB negotiations
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 4, 20 June 2025, page no 9.
At the time of writing, the QTU continues to negotiate in good faith to address members’ EB11 claims, but there is still no offer.
To date, we have had more than 10 meetings of the single bargaining unit (SBU), which is more than 50 hours of negotiations. While there have been lots of productive conversations, there has not yet been an offer. However, it is perfectly normal for there not to be an offer prior to the expiration of the current agreement, which expires on 30 June.
The Union’s position in these negotiations continues to be based on the following five interest areas, agreed by State Council in August 2024 following extensive consultation with QTU members across the state:
- Remuneration that recognises the professional qualifications of members
- Attracting and retaining teachers and school leaders
- Implementing the Comprehensive Review of School Resourcing
- Supporting teachers and school leaders as professionals
- Fair and safe workplaces.
Bargaining began in March, using the interest-based bargaining approach, in which the parties to the negotiation — the QTU and the Department of Education — have discussed their interest areas to find common ground and workable solutions.
Members across the state have been active in the campaign for a fair agreement. More than 1,000 members heeded the call when the QTU encouraged them to email the Premier in the lead up to Labour Day to reinforce the message that the state wages policy must be reviewed if Queensland teachers and school leaders are to achieve nation-leading salaries they have been promised.
"If you know of a colleague who has not yet joined the QTU, consider having a conversation with them."
Members across the state have also been attending MP delegations, addressing their P&Cs, sharing selfies and their stories on social media, and taking the message to the streets at Labour Day events around the state.
The QTU also planned a rally outside Parliament House in Brisbane on Tuesday 24 June, the day that the State Budget was released. Other rallies were also planned in regional areas before the end of term.
We want everyone to have an opportunity to join the QTU and have a say in the final outcome of EB11. That’s why it is critical that we encourage any potential members who have not yet joined the Union to do so before any ballot to accept or reject an offer occurs. Maximising membership and participation in every workplace will ensure your employer understands our collective view.
If you know of a colleague who has not yet joined the QTU, consider having a conversation with them. To assist, the QTU has again joined with our partner Union Shopper to offer a $50 gift voucher to any new member who joins via our fortnightly direct debit scheme during June. Potential members can be directed to the QTU website for more details.
Members will continue to be kept informed of EB11 developments via QTU Newsflash and direct email.