GOOD REASONS TO REMAIN A UNION MEMBER WHILST ON PARENTAL LEAVE 2011
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KEY ISSUES Keeping up your Union membership on parental leave only costs you $3.30 per fortnight, which is fully tax deductible. As a union member, you continue to get:
Professional advice
Legal assistance
Great savings
Updates to keep you in touch
Improvements to wages and conditions
Strong voice on professional issues
Representation on professional bodies
ACTION Contact our Membership Department on the telephone number below and ask to be converted to our special discounted ‘Parental Leave rate’ while you are away from paid work. CONTACTS IEUA-QNT Phone: (07) 3839 7020 Fax: (07) 3839 7021
Your Union continues to work for you, even when you’re not at work! Here’s some good reasons to stay a union member whilst on parental leave: 1. Professional advice on workplace matters Members on parental leave can still access free, confidential and professional advice on any workplace matter. Common inquires can include: job share and flexible work arrangements; rights and obligations when returning to work; pregnant again whilst still on parental leave; accessing paid parental leave (employer-funded and government provision); teacher registration and professional development requirements; redundancy; notice periods for resignation; support for breastfeeding and expressing at work; and hours of duty or timetable problems on return to work. 2. Legal assistance Legal assistance may sometimes be required by members on parental leave in instances of redundancy; teacher registration issues; discrimination and the like. It’s good to know you are covered in this eventuality. 3. Saving money on goods and services Great savings on goods and services can be had using Union Shopper. For example, IEUA-QNT members can show their union card to receive a 12.5% discount when shopping at Baby ‘n Things at 1230 Logan Road, Mt Gravatt Home Maker Centre, Brisbane. Union Shopper saves you money on everyday goods and services without the hassle and haggle, just telephone 1800 368 117 or visit the Union Shopper website at www.unionshopper.com.au 4. Staying in touch Our regular e-zine ‘Staying in Touch’ is emailed to all members who advise that they are on parental leave. You will continue to receive updates on collective bargaining, key professional matters, and relevant current campaigns. In addition, topics of particular interest are featured including: job share and other flexible work arrangements; teacher registration requirements; paid parental leave; breastfeeding and work; Union Shopper promotions.
Freecall: 1800 177 937
We also hold informal information sessions periodically, to enable a social networking opportunity for interested Brisbane-based members. The next session will be held on 15 March on job share.
Email: enquiries@qieu.asn.au Internet: www.qieu.asn.au
Our union website www.qieu.asn.au/maternity has a special section of resources, fact sheets and information especially for members on parental leave.
You will also continue to receive your copy of The Independent Voice in the post, updating you with all the key Queensland and Northern Territory non-government education sector news, professional issues and industrial campaigns. 5. Improving wages and conditions Even while you are away from your workplace, collective bargaining, working parties and school-level organising is happening to improve working conditions and / or wages for you on your return to work. In 2011, our union will also campaign for enhanced employment arrangements to support breastfeeding and expressing at work. 6. Strong voice on professional issues IEUA-QNT members use our collective strength to influence the state and federal educational agenda and outcomes, for the benefit of our students and our profession. National Curriculum, school funding, performance pay are all current challenges that members will continue to campaign on this year – and that can potentially have a huge impact on school workplaces. Higher membership means we can make our voices heard. 7. Advocacy through professional bodies IEUA-QNT members have representational roles in the QSA, the Queensland College of Teachers and various other professional committees and bodies. For example, union representatives on the Queensland College of Teachers will continue to work to ensure the Continuing Professional Learning and Return to Teach requirements are not excessive and credit all relevant professional development undertaken by members. The CPD requirements and reporting, and access to appropriate professional development opportunities, for members on leave also remains a priority. What will it cost me? Your continued access to union services and advice costs only $3.30 a fortnight for members on unpaid leave and these fees are fully tax deductible. Just call our Membership Department on 1800 177 938 or (07) 3839 7020 and ask to be converted to our special discounted ‘Parental Leave rate’ for the time you are away from paid work.