No. 10-23, 12 September 2023 | Open PDF
TO: QTU MEMBERS
As we head into the last week of the term, the QTU recognises that this term has been a long one and we wish you all the best for the forthcoming spring vacation.
The QTU Executive met face-to-face at the end of Week 9 to consider a range of topics.
Transfers
Eligible members will be advised of guaranteed transfers by Thursday 14 September, if not before. More information about the teacher transfer process and the transfer appeals processes can be found at https://www.qtu.asn.au/transfer-appeals
Mobile phone bans
Ongoing consultation sessions continue to be held between the department and QTU, as well as P&Cs Qld and relevant principal associations. Online principal consultation sessions, as well as a dedicated mailbox for school leaders, have also been created. Guidelines and FAQs are being developed and will be available for feedback in the coming weeks.
The QTU has also sought assurances that there will be continued communications from the department around this issue, to ensure schools are thoroughly prepared when the ban is introduced from the start of school in 2024.
This commitment from the department includes providing information for school newsletters and other school and community-based information sharing activities.
TAFE EB update
QTU members working in the TAFE Division are currently participating in a ballot to accept or reject the EB offer made by TAFE Queensland last week. For more information about the offer, interested QTU members can read the TAFE Bulletin No 22, 6 September 2023.
QTU Quarterly Member Survey - Have your say today!
The QTU’s member survey for Term 3 is now open. Please encourage members to take a moment to fill it in and have their say on the important issues affecting our Union. It only takes a few minutes, and they can go into the draw to win one of four $100 Wish vouchers.
Survey responses will be completely anonymous – once completed, members will be taken to a separate entry form for the prize draw.
This survey is one of several ways members can have their say. You can also help guide the direction of our Union though our democratic structures, including via branch meetings, State Council and Executive. Additionally, members can engage with our wide network of Reps and Organisers.
Your voice is important to us. Please take the survey here: https://www.qtu.asn.au/qtu-member-survey-2023
YES Campaign T-shirt Day of Action
Wear your Voice, Treaty, Truth Labour Day T-shirt or the Unions for YES T-shirt on Campaign T-shirt Day – Monday, 2 October.
Send photos to campaigns@qtu.asn.au to share on QTU social media.
The QTU’s State Council has voted to support a YES vote at the forthcoming referendum for a Voice to Parliament, to be held on Saturday 14 October. All Union Reps have been provided with a YES Campaign Kit, containing an asks checklist, a brochure, a bumper sticker, a fridge magnet, and some talking points. These items can be displayed on your QTU noticeboard, as they have been authorised by the General Secretary. We encourage all members to get out and have conversations with others about the importance of voting YES for a Voice to Parliament.
The department has provided comprehensive advice to all staff in the latest version of ConnectEd (www.forgov.qld.gov.au/news-events-and-consultation/news/voice-to-parliament-guidance-for-public-sector-employees)
Additional resources for the Union’s YES campaign can be found here: https://www.qtu.asn.au/yes
Walk for YES
Members are invited to join the Walk for Yes from 10.30-2:00pm on Sunday 17 September. Meet at the Southbank Cultural Forecourt. Further details can be found by scanning the QR code below.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is part of core union business, and the Queensland Teachers’ Union is getting ready to create our next Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). We are seeking First Nations and non-First Nations members to join the RAP Working Group and be part of the QTU's pathway towards better partnership and future with and for First Nations peoples, particularly our members and students in our schools. If you're interested or would like more information, please contact Acting First Nations Officer Emerson Zerafa-Payne at services@qtu.asn.au
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Kate Ruttiman
General Secretary
Authorised by Kate Ruttiman, General Secretary, Queensland Teachers' Union
21 Graham Street, Milton, QLD, Australia, 4064