Making the most of your membership

Growth Team Making the most of your membership

By Natalie Blewitt Growth Team coordinator

Everyone who joins the SSTUWA does so for their own reason. Many people join to be part of a collective voice, to stand in solidarity and to ensure industrial and professional rights are upheld at their worksite.

Others join because of their passion for public education, to ensure that proper funding and resources are available for all public education facilities.

For many though, the reason for joining is a lot more personal. Our members often tell us they join for peace of mind. If a problem ever arises at their worksite, they know the SSTUWA has got them covered.

Whether they need to ask a question or seek advice from our Member Assist Team, need one-to-one support from a case manager, or assistance from our legal advocates, members know they are supported and protected when they need us the most.

Joining the SSTUWA means access to high-quality learning opportunities. All courses through the Education and Training Centre (ETC) are developed and delivered by highly-skilled, passionate and experienced educators.

After being impacted by COVID-19, ETC face-to-face courses are resuming. There are also a range of popular online options.

Union rep and women’s contact officer training courses will be the first ones to return, with these events scheduled to take place towards the end of this term.

To find out more, turn to page 28 of this Western Teacher or visit sstuwa.org.au/training

As a financial member of the SSTUWA, did you know that you have access to a wide range of legal services that are provided at either no cost, or with significant discounts on the standard legal fees?

Some of the legal services you receive as a financial member of the SSTUWA include a free consultation with Slater and Gordon in relation to any matter connected with your employment or your professional registration, advice and representation in performance and conduct matters; a free 30-minute consultation with Tehan Legal regarding criminal law or restraining order matters and a free simple will from Eureka Lawyers, where a simple will is appropriate to your circumstances.

The SSTUWA will cover the cost of the will and, if a more complex will or a will for your partner/spouse is required, the union will contribute $150 towards your total costs.

A large number of other benefits and discounts are also available to members of the SSTUWA. These range across areas such as financial advice to shopping and entertainment.

Some of the more popular benefits include:

Great savings at Accor hotels.

A 5-10 per cent discount at the Teacher Superstore.

Online access to live discounted pricing on the Good Guys’ full range.

A 20 per cent discount off flowers and gifts from Petals Flowers and Gifts.

Up to an extra 10 per cent off any print and digital magazine subscription at isubscribe.

If you are moving house or need a rental car, Thrifty Car and Truck Rental offer a 10 per cent discount on vehicle hire in Australia. A range of member benefits can be found on page 30, with more details at sstuwa.org.au/benefits

Being a member of the SSTUWA also provides you with the opportunity to join Teachers Health.

Teachers Health provides cost-effective private health insurance for union members in the education industry and their families.

With options for both hospital and extras cover, they have a reputation of providing excellent benefits at competitive rates. Find out more at teachershealth.com.au

The SSTUWA has also secured exclusive coverage for leader members that sees workers’ compensation payments for physical injuries topped up to match your actual salary, including allowances, over and above the current weekly minimum.

This is essential cover for those on salary level 4.3 and above who would previously have been as much as $672.45 a week out of pocket if on workers’ compensation.

And finally, another important benefit for financial SSTUWA members is journey cover. If you have an accident whilst travelling to, or from, work that results in your inability to work, you may be entitled to a benefit for lost income. Workers’ compensation does not cover accidents to and from work.

Your SSTUWA membership is also tax deductible. You will be receiving a statement of contribution shortly, so don’t forget to include this with your deductions this year and remember to make the most of your SSTUWA membership, because after all, we’ve got you covered.