Making the most of your membership

By Natalie Blewitt Growth Team coordinator

Being a member of the State School Teachers’ Union of WA is certainly a great investment in your career. Educators work hard to achieve our qualifications and give our all for our students, so it is reassuring to know that the SSTUWA has got you covered.

On one level, union membership offers peace of mind. If a problem ever arises, members know the SSTUWA has got them covered.

But being a member with the SSTUWA is so much more than just a form of work insurance. Have you ever considered what union membership means and how you can make the most of your membership? It is empowering to know that as a member, you are part of a collective voice, standing in solidarity to ensure industrial and professional rights are upheld at worksites.

Supporting each other through good times and bad, standing shoulder to shoulder, we can collectively make change happen. You are also the voice for public education. Your passion and dedication to our profession ensures we fight for the students most in need, ensuring proper funding and resources are available for all at public education facilities. The SSTUWA is part of a larger union voice, the Australia Education Union, with all branches across the country working together to improve public education for the common good. But on a more individual level, your membership with the SSTUWA provides you with unprecedented support and benefits.

From access to expert advice at your fingertips to fantastic industrial and professional development, whether you are a beginning teacher or a school leader, you cannot afford to be without union membership. If you have a question or are seeking advice, our Member Assist Team is there for you. Three full-time staff are supported by a team of organisers and legal advocates offering advice to members when you need it. If your issue is more complex, then you will be referred to a case manager. Our experienced case managers will give your issue the attention it deserves.

As a financial member of the SSTUWA, your membership also provides access to a range of legal services that are provided at either no cost, or with significant discounts on the standard legal fees. These can include a free consultation, representation in performance and conduct matters, or a free simple will. If you are looking for high quality industrial and professional development opportunities, look no further than the SSTUWA Education and Training Centre. Your membership with the SSTUWA means you can access quality learning opportunities developed and delivered by highly-skilled, passionate and experienced educators. All training is offered at low cost or no cost to our members. Both face-to-face and online options are available so find out what is on offer via the training section on our website: sstuwa.org.au/training Many other benefits and discounts are also available to members of the SSTUWA. These range across areas such as financial advice to shopping and entertainment. 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 hospitals and extras cover, they have a reputation of providing excellent benefits at competitive rates. Find out more at teachershealth.com.au

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

Member support

How can we help you?

The first step is to speak to your school union rep for advice. They can contact the union district organiser for further advice if needed.

Many issues can be settled at the local level as an individual matter or branch matter. Informing and consulting your union rep as a protocol is encouraged.

If you need further assistance then your Member Assist Team is available to offer prompt, professional industrial advice.

Member Assist can be contacted on 9210 6060 or 1800 106 683. You can also reach the team via email: memberassist@sstuwa.org.au

During school terms the Member Assist Team is available from 10am-4.30pm Monday and 8.30am to 4.30pm Tuesday to Friday. During term breaks, Member Assist is available 10am-2pm Monday to Friday.

When contacting Member Assist, please have the following ready:

• Your membership number – Member

Assist support is available to financial members only.

• A brief summary of your issue – write down some dot points to either include in your email or discuss during your call.

• A summary of what you have done to try and resolve your issue. (eg email trail, contact with the Department of

Education, etc).

Member Assist will then be able to offer prompt, professional advice and if necessary, refer you to specialist staff. Remember if you have already been allocated a case manager or advocate it is crucial that you speak to them in the first instance about any material relating to your case.

When should you contact the Department of Education first?

Questions about issues such as salary and leave entitlements should first be raised with the department.

If you contact the department by phone, get the name of the person you speak to. Note the time and date of the call. Make notes of the conversation and if necessary, ask for a written response.

To ensure a written response, send an email or letter that outlines your issue and ask for a response to specific questions.