/Kormilda_Briefing

INDEPENDENT EDUCATION UNION OF AUSTRALIA QUEENSLAND AND NORTHERN TERRITORY BRANCH ABN 74 662 601 045

Registered Office

Divisional Office

All correspondence to:

GPO Box 4166 DARWIN NT 0801

PO Box 418 FORTITUDE VALLEY QLD 4006 Tel: (07) 3839 7020 Fax: (07) 3839 7021 Freecall : 1800 177 937 (Qld resident) Freecall : 1800 351 996 (NT resident) Email: enquiries@qieu.asn.au

38 Woods Street DARWIN NT 0800 Tel: (08) 8981 1924 Fax: (08) 8981 1935

Thursday, 15 March 2012

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KORMILDA COLLEGE BRIEFING

Staff take Significant Steps to Restore Dignity and Respect at Kormilda Employee Survey Underway Dear Colleagues Significant steps have been taken to restore respect and dignity in the workplace with staff endorsing significant action at a strongly attended meeting of staff this week.

The meeting attended by around 60 staff gave endorsement to a series of resolutions aimed at addressing the longstanding concerns of staff regarding the current direction and management of the College.

Background The meeting initially received a report on the process of negotiation of the replacement collective enterprise agreement and a particular report on an incident with the principal involving an employee representative.

The meeting noted that the closeness of the recent ballot on the replacement agreement (65 to 52) was an indication of the concerns of staff and that it was appropriate to take action on the concerns of staff in the interests of the College, its students and staff.

As a courtesy to the College Board the meeting committed to keeping the Board informed of the actions being taken.

Resolutions Adopted The meeting adopted a key resolution noting the concerns of staff with the direction and management of staff and on the basis of those concerns authorised the development of a survey, to go to all staff, to draw together the many and detailed concerns of staff. The survey will be available to staff shortly with a request for return by Monday 26 March.

(Resolution Attached) The meeting also resolved to commence the development of a Chapter Charter to set out the way that employees should be treated in the workplace at Kormilda with the dignity and respect they deserve. Staff will be involved closely in this process.

Support of Members Many at the meeting voiced their concerns and apprehensions regarding the possible reaction of the College to the actions being taken by staff to restore dignity and respect in the workplace and to give direction and good management to the school.

In a significant resolution, the meeting requested union support to its members if they became subject unfairly to management reaction.

I am happy to confirm that our union's support will clearly be given to its members.

For those employees concerned about their employment the safest place to be is as a union member. There are severe penalties under the Fair Work Act for an employer who takes action against an employee for their union activity.

Any 'targeting' of a union member for standing up for their fundamental working rights will mean the intervention of our union in response.

I clearly cannot give the same commitment to a non-member.

Membership forms are readily available from your union representative.

All membership lists and details are confidential to our Union.

Further Developments In the Darwin community, news seemingly travels quickly and our union has been contacted for a statement on developments this week.

Given the detail already available to the journalist we may have little choice but to make an objective statement; the statement made would be consistent with this briefing.

The media interest was not sought by us but the concern for the staff position means we would have to keep the record accurate.

Next Steps Employees have a fundamental right to be treated with dignity and respect in their workplace.

The steps being taken by staff are a significant assertion of that fundamental right.

The survey is an initial step to bring the power of your combined concerns into one statement of concern regarding the current direction of the College and its management.

I urge you to complete the survey and give your support to your like minded colleagues who value fairness, dignity and respect in the workplace.

Kind regards

Jacques Retief ORGANISER M: 0439 980 166 E: jretief@qieu.asn.au

Authorised by Terry Burke Branch Secretary

Attachment

Kormilda College

Endorsed Resolution: That this meeting expresses its deep concern with the nature of the actions adopted by the College in the process of negotiating a replacement EBA creating as these did: (a)

a feeling of frustration with unreasonable bargaining actions and attitudes taken by the College

(b)

a view that the College adopted heavy handed interventions in decision making rather than any commitment to consultation processes,

(c)

a feeling that staff are not able to speak out about issues which may affect them if these are counter to the College’s view,

(d)

a lack of trust in the College's management strategies and communication style, and

(e)

a feeling of not being treated with respect, valued nor made to feel worthy in their work as an employee.

Further, it is of great concern that a College which aspires to follow Christian ethics and values neglects to adhere and practise these same ethics and values in the way it manages and deals with its own employees.

Accordingly, this meeting: (a)

calls on the College to take note of these concerns and further calls on the College to take considered and meaningful action to rebuild staff morale, a trust in management decision making and respect for employees in our workplace; and

(b)

determines to develop for consideration by staff of a Charter of Working Rights characterised by principles of dignity, respect and fairness consistent with the College ethos.