Newsmonth November 2013

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Newspaper of the NSW/ACT Independent Education Union (vol 33 #7) November 2013 newspaper of the nsw/act independent education union [vol 31 #7] november

newsmonth Print Post: 225007/0002 – ISSN: 0728-4845

Accreditation for all? Survey results p9

Living social justice p11

Union launches equal pay claim

The IEU has lodged an equal pay claim on behalf of teachers in long day care centres at the Fair Work Commission. The application will be joined to that already lodged by United Voice for childcare workers in long day care centres. The IEU application affects about 5000 teachers nationally and is made on the grounds that they do not receive equal pay for work that is comparable to that of other teachers or other professionals. The claim states the pay of early childhood teachers is low because more than 95% are women and their work is seen as ‘caring’ work. “This claim has a strong focus on early childhood teachers as professionals,” says IEU Assistant Secretary Carol Matthews. “The claim is seeking increases of approximately 50% in the minimum rate for early childhood teachers.” A successful claim could see teachers who are currently being paid the modern award rates, receiving a pay rise of up to $30,000 per annum. In NSW this would mean an increase of approximately $20,000 per annum compared to the NSW transitional rates under the modern award.

Employer support The claim has also received support from employers groups, such as KU Children’s Services. “KU Children’s Services fully supports the IEU equal pay claim for early childhood teachers,” KU CEO Christine Legg says. “For many years, KU has been a strong advocate for pay parity for early childhood teachers who work in preschools and long day care services with equally qualified teachers who work in schools. “ We see this pay claim for long day care teachers as being an important step towards achieving equality and professional recognition for all early childhood teachers.” Leanne Gibbs from Community Childcare Cooperative NSW says: “Teachers in long day care centres play a key role in the education of young children. With 85% of children’s brain development taking place in the first five years the teacher’s role is pivotal in the life of children and families. “Appropriate remuneration for teachers in long day care can only be an investment for our future and a just salary for a qualified and committed professional.”

Media launch Abbotsford Long Day Care Centre staff assisted the IEU with media events surrounding the launch. Abbotsford Director Emma Cullen and Teacher Antonella Panuccio (pictured) have been long time supporters of the Teachers are Teachers campaign. Emma says she was excited to take part in the launch “because it’s something we’ve been working towards for a long time”. “We’re very passionate about the campaign at this centre and thrilled to have an opportunity to raise awareness. “The equal pay claim is fantastic and we hope it leads to the professional wages that early childhood teachers deserve. “Anything we can do to raise awareness of this is a step towards professional wages.” The launch received extensive media reporting, including ABC TV’s News 24, WIN TV in Canberra and national radio and newspaper coverage.

Next steps The Union will be contacting long day care members for support in the conduct of the case. However, as the Pay Equity Case will not be heard for some time by the Fair Work Commission, members are urged to protect their current salaries and conditions by having a registered agreement. Members who do not already have an enterprise agreement at their centre are urged to contact the IEU. The equal remuneration claim lodged by United Voice on behalf of child care workers is limited to long day care and it was therefore not feasible to broaden the case to preschools at this stage. If the case is successful the IEU will seek similar increases for teachers in preschools.

“The equal pay claim is fantastic and we hope it leads to the professional wages that early childhood teachers deserve.”

IEU Exchange Conference p16

Making gains for members In a year characterised by a tough industrial climate, an artificial wages cap, a funding freeze and a change of Federal Government, the IEU has continued to make gains for members. This year the IEU has recovered more than $3,233,000 for members. Much of this money has been recovered for members who have been under paid or have had the Union negotiate redundancy payments or individual settlements on their behalf. With underpayments all too common, the Union recommends you check your pay slips and raise any irregularities with your employer. If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, contact your IEU Organiser. This year the Union has also made new agreements for teachers and support staff in many schools, including Catholic systemic schools and Catholic independent schools, ELICOS colleges and about 200 early childhood services. We have represented members in more than 600 disputes. The Union has held more than 77 NSW Institute of Teachers accredited pedagogical workshops and five major conferences. We have facilitated 15 international teacher exchanges. For more information about your Union’s work over the year, see page 3

Union bid for five percent pay rise The IEU will pursue a 5% pay claim for teachers in NSW Catholic schools next year. The claim is more than the 2.5% pay cap on public servants’ pay rises under NSW legislation, but in light of changes expected of teachers due to Government policy, is considered reasonable by the Union. As well as the pay increase, the claim would include a provision for release time for teachers and mentors during the accreditation process, and for employers to pay NSW Institute of Teachers and Working With Children Check fees on behalf of teachers. All dioceses would be asked to agree on a fair process for teacher performance and development reviews, due to the emphasis on this area by state and federal governments. VET teachers would be provided with time in lieu to compensate for visiting students at workplaces or gaining mandatory industry experience hours outside normal school hours. Details page 3


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Newsmonth November 2013 by IEU NSW/ACT - Issuu