QIEU Chapter Resources: Information Sheet 1
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question you would like answered, please contact QIEU Campaign Research Officer, Rebecca Sisson at rsisson@qieu.asn.au.
What is a union, and how does it work? A union is a group of workers who come together to collectively deal with issues in their profession which they would not be able to solve individually. The members elect officer holders who provide direction and employ staff in the union office. However, it is the members who are our union. The strength of our union exists within our membership. Union strength is built by increasing membership, educating members and acting collectively.
How do I become a member of my union? The first step to building a strong union is to become a member. There are a number of ways that you can become a member:
Ask your staff representative or a member of your Chapter Executive for a membership form; Phone the QIEU office on FREECALL 1800 177 937; or Download a copy of our membership form, fill it out and return it to the QIEU office.
If you have any questions about the membership form, simply contact the Brisbane Office toll free on 1800 177 937 and ask to speak to the membership department.
How can I pay my membership fees? There are a range of payment options available including direct debit, credit card and cheque. You can also choose to pay your membership fees fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, six monthly or yearly, with discounts available for those who pay early in the year. There are also reduced rates available for graduate teachers, those who are part time, casual or doing supply rates, in addition to special rates for those who are on leave. Last Updated: 10/11/2008
What if I am dismissed or am treated unfairly at work? You should contact your union office immediately. One of the benefits associated with being a member of our union is the ability to access assistance and support from specialist staff when issues such as these arise in the workplace. People who are not members are often left to engage expensive legal assistance on their own, or alternatively, seek no recourse at all.
Where do my pay rises and conditions comes from? Pay rises and enhancements to your working rights and conditions are only possible through members standing together to ensure that they receive pay and conditions which reflect the important contribution that education professionals make in the nongovernment sector. Without this collective, educational professionals would be paid less and have working conditions less than those which are currently experienced.
How do I help build union strength at my workplace? The first step to building union strength in your workplace is to become a member of your union and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Being involved in your chapter and attending meetings, being involved in school, sector and industry campaigns is another way you can build strength in your workplace. Taking up a position on your Chapter Executive is also another very important way in which you can build union strength in your workplace. The Chapter Executive recruit, educate and promote collectiveness in the workplace. This is vital for ensuring the issues important to education professionals are heard and adequately addressed.
What is the role of the Chapter Executive? The Chapter Executive provides the vital link between the members and our union office. This group of members is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that all members and potential members are actively engaged and informed of the activities of our union. Specifically, this includes:
Listening and providing assistance to members; Encouraging membership; Distributing information; Liaising with your union organiser and union office; Promoting participation at training and professional development; Conducting meetings and encouraging member attendance; and Supporting members with issues in the workplace.
Last Updated: 10/11/2008
Now that we have a Labor Federal Government, there is no longer a threat to my working rights and conditions. Right? Although the election of a Labor Government will be beneficial in restoring some of the working rights and conditions that have been hard fought and long held, it does not guarantee that you will be protected at work. The Labor Government made an election commitment to change the WorkChoices legislation. However, these changes are yet to be made, and there is still work to do to ensure that the Labor government fulfill their election promises. Additionally, the Labor Government does not mean that all the rights and conditions that we enjoyed prior to the WorkChoices era will be restored. The most effective way to safeguard your working rights and conditions continues to be building a strong union with your education colleagues. This is the best way to take action on issues of concern and ensure that you are treated fairly at work.
What induction progress should I expect when starting at a new school? The school should offer you: A pre-appointment visit; A letter of welcome with the letter of appointment and an outline of the induction program and the requirements to satisfy Queensland College of Teachers provisions (if relevant); and A handbook about the school, its policies, objectives and procedures.
What should be stated in my letter of appointment? Your letter of appointment should contain: Classification – e.g. Band/Level and Step; Rate of wage/salary – either annually, per month or per fortnight; and Whether the position is continuing or fixed-term and whether it is full time, part time or term-time.
How much notice do I need to give if I intend to resign my position? Always check your collective agreement first. If your collective agreement has no resignation clause, refer to the award. Under the award for teachers one calendar month’s notice in writing is required. Some collective agreements, require notice be given in term time. The awards for other staff vary but typically require two weeks notice.
Additional Information If you would like to know more about our union, please contact your union organiser or the union office: Brisbane Office Townsville Office Last Updated: 10/11/2008
(07) 3839 7020 (07) 4772 6277
Bundaberg Office
Last Updated: 10/11/2008
(07) 4132 8455