Vol 51 I No.1
Official publication of the Australian Education Union (SA Branch)
March 2019
AEUJOURNAL SA
TOGETHER WE WILL WIN! INSIDE: u Enterprise
bargaining: Negotiations continue...
u Fair
Funding Now: Spotlight on Boothby.
RU NICE NOT N I NG BOA H ERAD D
Has your school registered for this year’s Commissioner’s Digital Challenge?
T
he Commissioner’s Digital Challenge is a brand new recurring annual digital Challenge to increase digital opportunity for children in SA.
As your students start learning to speak Robot, they can increase student agency and win digital rewards for your school from programmable drones to micro:bits to a new school website. Plus every student completing the Challenge earns a digital certificate from the Commissioner and every school taking part receives access to exclusive live webinars from Microsoft. Just four digital thinking Challenge activities = Challenge complete! There are hundreds of activities to choose from. Register now!. Schools can register now (Years 3 – 6). Registering is free and takes less than one minute. Registered schools are eligible for rewards, are published on the Challenge website and receive exclusive Official Challenge School promotional materials to share with teachers, students, parents and families. Find out more at:
8: https://commissionersdigitalchallenge.net.au 2019 NEW EDUCATORS’ STATE CONFERENCE
Do you enjoy recreational cycling? Are you more about the journey than speed or lycra? Would you like to go on interesting rides around Adelaide and further afield with a friendly supportive group? We offer a range of rides averaging 40kms in length on several days of the week, including weekends, around Adelaide and the hills. We also hove multi-day trips to the country, interstate and sometimes overseas. We are a very inclusive club having about 6 evening meetings per year and some social events. E-bikes ore welcome.
Face the challenges, collect the skills and put it all into play!
Friday 24 May 9.15am – 3.30pm
Saturday 25 May 9.15am – 2.00pm
Australian Education Union | SA Branch For further info or to register8: www.aeusa.asn.au>events&courses or email: training@aeusa.asn.au
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FPRESIDENT’S E ATU R E S VIEW
#2
AEU UNION JOURNAL TRAINING
Australian Education Union | SA Branch 163 Greenhill Road, Parkside SA 5063 Telephone: 8172 6300
EB Update pages 4 – 5 AEU agenda is set but the Marshall government drags its heels.
TOGETHER WE WILL WIN!
Facsimile:
8172 6390
Email:
journal@aeusa.asn.au
Editor: Victoria Goodyear Graphic Designer: Jo Frost AEU Journal is published once per term each year by the South Australian Branch of the Australian Education Union. Subscriptions: Free for AEU members. Non-members may subscribe for $33 per year. Print Post approved PP 100000753 Print: ISSN 1440-2971 Digital: ISSN 2207-9092 Printing: Lane Print
INSIDE: u Enterprise
bargaining: Negotiations continue...
Cover: AEU SA. St0p Work Rally, 29 November 2018.
u Fair
Funding Now: Spotlight on Boothby.
Together we will win
Fair Funding Now
page 5 AEU President Howard Spreadbury calls on all members to commit to collective action.
page 9 The Boothby tour begins!
Advertise in the AEU Journal. Reach over 13,500 members across South Australia.
8172 6300 journal@aeusa.asn.au
STU DE NTS STR I KE 4 CLI M AT E CHANG E #S S4C School students walked out of school to send a strong message to politicians to take them seriously and to start treating climate change for what it is – a crisis and the biggest threat to our generation and all generations to come. At the recent AEU Federal Conference, members commended the action of students, supported the democratic right of students to take direct action by protesting and supported students to give voice to their real concerns about the impacts of climate change.
School Students Strike 4 Climate Change
A
ustralia has been regularly subjected to the harsh consequences of climate change.
Across Australia and the world, school students are calling on politicians to listen as they call for action on climate change. Their passion for the environ-
ment is inspiring. In Adelaide school students organised strike action for climate change on Friday 15 March 2019. The event included a march from Parliament House to Victoria Square commencing at 11am and finishing at 2pm.
Everyone was invited to attend and join in solidarity about this important issue that affects us all. The AEU encouraged members to support their students to ensure the safe participation of students in the strike where students chose to participate. The AEU was there! Check out our facebook page to see postings of the event. n
www.facebook.com/aeusa 3
E NT E R PR I S E BA R G AI N I NG 2019 We have a lot in common. We know your child and want the best for them too. Our workplace is where your child’s learning journey begins. As educators, we are dedicated to providing the best learning environment for every child in our schools and preschools. There are several areas of concern that are having a negative impact on public education in South Australia.
ur We need yo row support to g future your child’s
Class sizes and complexity Class sizes need to be at appropriate levels so that every South Australian child can get the attention and support they need. More resources are needed to support teachers to deal with increased complexity within classrooms. Complexity could mean more than one grade being taught within a classroom, include students who are on Negotiated Education Plans, or include children who may have diverse needs. Lack of funding Our schools and preschools need sufficient funding and support so that every child and young person has an equal chance to develop their potential.
rsation t the conve So let’s star on ti ca u ed about public
Lack of job security for our educators Around 40 percent of South Australian educators do not have job security. The level of permanency among teachers has decreased by approximately 10% over the last six years. Job security is to attract and retain the best educators in South Australian schools and preschools. Country conditions There are considerable challenges in attracting and retaining educators in country areas and more support is needed. We want children and students in country South Australia to have the right specialist educators in every classroom. We need your support Can you help us? Show your support by signing our petition as we call for improved funding and conditions in our preschools and schools at: www.aeusa.asn.au/ community Find out more by talking with your preschool directors, school principals, teachers, early childhood workers, AEWs and SSOs about conditions and funding levels. Or stay in touch through the AEU (SA Branch) website and social media.
Together we can be the best.
Authorised by Leah York, Branch Secretary, Australian Education Union | SA Branch, 163 Greenhill Road, Parkside SA 5063 ©2019. Printed by Lane Print.
EB Update Weekly negotiations continue as the AEU sets the agenda for discussions.
I
t all began twelve months ago with the launch of the RESPECT campaign, where hundreds of educators gathered at the Adelaide Town Hall. Since then the AEU have been setting the agenda for discussion with the government’s negotiating team based on our 7-Point Plan to respect the education profession. In our weekly meetings with the negotiating team we have been advocating for: • Conditions that respect professional educators, and • Increased resource levels that are needs-based so that students can get the quality education they all deserve. The AEU’s range of proposals have focused on the improvement of public education in South Australia and the ability to increase the educational opportunities for our students. In response, the Marshall government has proposed to cut the funding commitment, limit consultation and
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“We need to be strong, active and united to ensure that politicians recognise the importance of public education.” remove placement and part-time teacher protections. Important matters like class size and class complexity have not been addressed. We know that the complexity levels in your classrooms have been increasing exponentially and impacting on your work as educators. The results of the 2018 Complexity Hotline were clear: • All respondents agreed that complexity was impacting on student learning • 85% of respondents had experienced increased complexity over the last ten years • 96% of respondents thought smaller classes would address complexity and improve student learning.
7 Keep an eye out for our flyer designed to engage the community in our conversation about public education.
The AEU has called for smaller class sizes that recognise the level of complexity in each class, class size protections for all classes, including practical classes and more support from specialists and AEWs. We will be seeking feedback on your experience with the new 2019 IESP in the coming weeks. Changing levels of classroom complexity and higher expectations with administrative demands have led to increased pressure and workload for our leaders. The department has proposed a modest increase in non-teaching time for leaders in smaller schools, but has not offered anything to address workload for teachers and leaders in all other schools and preschools. The AEU has also advocated for additional resources to address the unique complexities found in country schools including multi-year level classes, attracting and retaining staff and difficulties accessing professional development. Our proposals for improved country conditions have not been addressed by the government negotiating team. The AEU believes that the different requirements for teaching time for preschool teachers and the fact that some have 30 hours of face-to-face teaching time per week is unfair. The government has not addressed this inequity within the negotiations to date. The Marshall government has also denied no-cost items such as increased permanency for teachers and support staff. The Marshall government has stated that any salary increase must arise from increased efficiency and effectiveness. Instead of addressing funding levels for students and reducing class sizes, the state government chooses to provide tax cuts. Efficiency dividends and budget cuts do not create a better education system or improve student outcomes, they make our system inefficient and reduce productivity. Negotiations continue with the Marshall government and we are working on raising awareness with the community and politicians to increase funding for public education and protect conditions and learning environments in our continued over page 3
RU N N I NG H E AD
PRESIDENT’S VIEW
schools and preschools.
Together we will win
Australia is one of the richest countries in the world and has the resources to properly fund public education. We need to be strong, active and united to ensure that all recognise the importance of public education. Together we can protect our funding, stand up for equity and win better learning conditions for South Australian children and young people. n
AEU President Howard Spreadbury reports.
ACTION • Send a ‘Dear John’ letter to the Education Minister outlining the level of complexity of your classroom: www.aeusa.asn.au/Respect • Have school gate conversations about public education and distribute our leaflets within your school or preschool community • Contact us to participate in a delegation to visit your local state Member of Parliament • Contact us to participate in upcoming action for preschools.
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he AEU SA Branch continues to be locked in negotiations with the State Government for a long overdue Enterprise Agreement for schools and preschools. In the near future we will also commence bargaining for a new Agreement for members in TAFE. Members are clear about what it is you need to address your working conditions in schools and preschools. The main elements include: • Reduced class sizes that recognise complex student cohorts
The AEU 7-Point Plan for Public Education • Better remuneration • Increased quality jobs that are secure and safe • More teachers • Addressing gender inequality • Improved country provisions to attract and retain staff • Workloads that are reasonable, sustainable and not excessive • Fair treatment at work. For more info go to:
8: www.aeusa.asn.au
• Job security for all classifications, especially lower paid ancillary employees • Security of funding to sites that support student learning and addresses employee workload • Incentives that attract teachers to country and remote locations and retains them for continuity for students • Equitable contact time for all preschool teachers regardless of the setting • Additional time for collegial engagement to support professional growth • Measures that address the gender pay and superannuation gaps and other aspects of gender inequity • A fair salary outcome that addresses interstate relativity and South Australian cost of living increases. We are dealing with a conservative government that wants a “bare bones” Agreement that delivers for the employer less regulation and greater flexibility in the deployment of resources to sites. Members are quite rightly concerned that current provisions could be placed at risk into the future as a result.
“It is only through collectivism that we will succeed in gaining improvements in our working conditions and the learning environments of our students.” ??????????? n This is a government that can afford to properly fund public education but chooses to apply strict economic principles in that process. This is a government that has the opportunity to invest in public education to levels that deliver on their own rhetoric of building a world-class system. A world-class system cannot be delivered on a limited budget that has no long-term vision for public education and that doesn’t demonstrate respect for our profession. Is it any wonder that other systems world-wide can claim to be high-performing when governments invest in education and the professionals who deliver curriculum to students on a daily basis? In order to achieve the best outcome from enterprise bargaining for a new Agreement, we all need to be on board. Being a member of our great union means being part of that collective. It is only through collectivism that we will succeed in gaining improvements in our working conditions and the learning environments of our students. This requires the demonstration of strong messages to members of government that we will not settle for anything less than those provisions that secure funding, address workload and insecure employment and enhance learning and social outcomes for our students. That demonstration must be on a collective and unified basis if we are to achieve the best outcome for members and for public education in this state. n
Through standing together, we will win. In unity, Howard Spreadbury 5
AE U I N FO RM AT ION U N IT 2019
MPs
Welcome to the team!
nr.
1 from left: Michael Stretzer, Kirsten Ifould, Chris Picton, Trish Gilbert and Dash Taylor Johnson.
Major changes to the AEU Information Unit have occurred this year as we trial an interim model arising from the AEU organisational review.
P 1 from left: MP Justin Hanson with AEU Vice
Presidents Lara Golding & Dash Taylor Johnson.
1 from left: Irene Pnevmatikos, Dash Taylor Johnson and Ian Hunter.
A winning approach Delegations with MPs are raising awareness and support for our EB claims.
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e have been working on a multi-faceted approach to get the best results for the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement for schools and preschools by expanding activity across community, political and industrial areas. Weekly meetings to debate our industrial concerns with the Marshall Government’s negotiating team are not the only activity being undertaken by the AEU to influence the result of the Enterprise Bargaining process. The AEU leadership team has been working with members to form delegations to meet with local state politicians to raise awareness and gain support for our enterprise bargaining claims. Delegations of members with AEU staff have met with Connie Bonavos, Kyam Maher, Chris Picton, Justin Hanson, Irene Pnevmatikos and Dr. Richard Harvey. Appointment times are being organised to meet Leon Bignell and Blair Boyer. AEU President Howard Spreadbury and Vice President Dash Taylor Johnson have also met with SA Best politicians
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to discuss the importance of AEU representation within PAC selection panels. Following a meeting where several members passionately articulated their very real concerns for educators if AEU representation in PAC was to be removed, SA Best politicians argued the case for AEU inclusion in parliament leading up to the Education Bill amendment. Building support and understanding with the broader community about our claims has begun, with members starting important school gate conversations with parents and caregivers. Leaflets have been developed as a conversation starter, and a register of support and dedicated web page created. Following considerable work to raise the profile of the AEU as the professional voice of public education in South Australia, we have had the opportunity to provide regular commentary in the media. All of these activities combined will assist us to build influence and increase power as we negotiate for a winning result. n
reviously all Administrative Officers, including the Branch Secretary and Vice Presidents were rostered on the information phone lines to assist members with their enquiries. Members can now expect a more streamlined service with a small team established to provide specialised support to members. The information unit team is overseen by the Branch Secretary and consists of:
Organiser and Industrial Team Coordinators Andrew Gohl and Dan Farmer While working across multiple teams in 2019, Andrew and Dan continue to guide the information unit team with expert advice and counsel as required.
Information Unit Coordinators Cindy Boyce and Tracey Fletcher-Harris Cindy and Tracey have been involved with the information unit since it was first established in 1995. After working closely with Organisers for many years they are now solely focused on delivering a comprehensive, efficient information service for all members. continued over page 3
AEU INFORMATION UNIT Mon: 8:15am – 5:00pm Tues to Fri: 10:30am – 5:00pm
8172 6300
B RA NCH S ECR E TA RY ’S R E PO RT
The future of our union #4 AEU Branch Secretary Leah York explains. Organisers Jill Cavanough: Jill’s career at the AEU has been lengthy, covering positions of Campaign Officer, Research Officer and Organiser. Her knowledge and experience in health and safety matters is highly regarded. Ann Clarke: Ann comes from a secondary school background and has rural and metro experience. Her passion at the AEU has been working closely with New Educators. Ann brought her drama teaching to the fore last year by producing a Fringe show on behalf of the AEU for the first time. Danny Ellis: Danny started his career in education, initially supporting students but then jumped at the opportunity to support Aboriginal members in the role of AEU organiser. His enthusiasm and approachability has been a great benefit to all members but particularly to our Aboriginal members.
Industrial Officer Liz Roberts: Liz brings a wealth of experience to the information unit having worked as an AEU Industrial Officer for over 25 years. Our members will certainly profit from her understanding of industrial matters and enterprise bargaining.
Legal Officer Lauren Power: The AEU continues to provide support for work related legal matters. Lauren’s tenacious attitude ensures our members will be dealt with respectfully and fairly by the department when undergoing an investigation or assessment.
Admin support Kate Abrams: Kate’s history at the AEU has seen her work across many different areas. The broad range of skills she brings to the information unit team are greatly appreciated. n
We all look forward to working with you in 2019!
As I’ve written in previous Journals and reported at Branch Council, Executive undertook a review of the structures and processes of AEU (SA Branch) with a view to building union power, campaigning more effectively, providing improved support to ensure members’ rights and entitlements and making more prominent the union’s professional voice. Executive has endorsed the report of the review and is working through its recommendations using a consultative process.
Strategic Framework At November 2018 Branch Council, the AEU’s Strategic Framework was endorsed to underpin our vision and shape our work as the powerful union that protects, promotes and enhances an inclusive public education for all South Australians. Further, members involved in AEU Committees met with Principal Officers just prior to Council to develop ways of working that will strengthen our professional voice. This work will continue to evolve throughout 2019.
2019 In this edition of the Journal, the new Information Unit/MSC and the Campaign Organising teams are outlined. In 2019, an interim structure is being trialed to inform the future organisational needs of the AEU to best use the AEU’s resources in aspiring to the goals of our Strategic Framework.
Administrative Officer Appointments One of the recommendations of the Report is that the current three year appointment of Administrative Officers by Branch Council is ceased and that officers are appointed permanently. Also, that performance is managed through the introduction and maintenance of a fair and transparent performance management system. This would require a change to the AEU (SA Branch)
Rules by a Branch Council resolution carried by a two-thirds majority of members voting. This would apply to Administrative Officers who work in the areas of Organising, Industrial, Communications, and Education and Union Training only, and not to Principal Officers of the union, ie. the President, Vice Presidents and Branch Secretary or to Branch Executive Officers which are positions elected directly by the membership for two or three year fixed terms. The three year appointment of Administrative Officers was implemented some years ago when it was considered appropriate for an Officer to work at the AEU for two fixed terms of three years and then return to a departmental workplace. The skills learnt during that term would then be used as a ‘member organiser’ in sites, and AEU staff turnover would facilitate a contemporary knowledge of member issues in worksites. However, the Report states that the union needs to build a strong group of skilled and able officers who have a commitment to the union as their primary employer, with an effective performance management system, career pathways and a Code of Conduct in place. Whilst in most other states and territories, Administrative Officers (or their equivalents) are appointed for three or four year terms, there is an argument that employment in the union should be secure, in line with the values of the union. There are many issues to consider such as any implications for salary and conditions, would a loss of ‘right of return’ to DfE or TAFE SA act as a disincentive for educators to apply to work at the AEU, should the values we apply to members’ employment also apply to AEU staff, what should performance development and management look like in the union? A proposed rule change is being considered by Executive, and if endorsed for recommendation, will be debated at June Branch Council. n If you have any queries or comments please email me at:
8: lyork@aeusa.asn.au
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C A M PAIG N O R G A N I S E RS STRU CTU R E 2019
Who is YOUR local AEU Campaign Organiser? An interim structural change is being trialled Allocation of AEU organisers to sites for the Organisers’ The allocation of Organisers The allocation of Organisers group to meet the to Northern areas are: to Southern areas are: goals of the AEU’s North West Country/ South East Country/ Southern Urban organisational review. Northern Metro
M
embers may have noticed a recent change in Organiser visiting their local sites. Organisers have been divided into two groups to organise the northern and southern areas of the state. These changes are part of the interim structure which follows the recent organisational review of the AEU (SA Branch). The North Campaign Organiser’s Group will be led by Lead Organiser Anne Beinke and will cover the northern metropolitan area and northern country regions. The South Campaign Organiser’s Group will be headed up the Organisers’ Group Coordinator, Andrew Gohl. Tony Sutherland continues his organising responsibilities for all TAFE members across South Australia. Former principal Steve Marshall joins the Campaign Organisers’ Group to support leader members across the state. The activities of campaign organisers will include progressing campaigns in preschools, schools and TAFE, supporting Sub-branch Secretaries, Workplace Representatives and Workplace Organising committees to build union strength and activism in the workplace. Organisers will also assist in building the density of membership in each site. Campaign Organisers will be able to provide immediate advice on simple industrial questions, but where the issue is more complex, will refer members to the AEU Information Unit – see pages 6 – 7. n Check (right) to identify the delegated AEU Organiser for your site. 8
Anne Beinke Tony Sutherland Lead Organiser Organiser, TAFE Focus
Andrew Gohl Coordinator
Jan Murphy Organiser
Daniel Pereira Lisa Sigalla Organiser Organiser
Matt Coffey Organiser
Steve Marshall Organiser, Leaders’ Focus
Meredith Farmer Organiser
Metro Area Organiser Elizabeth Munno Para Tony Sutherland Eastern Urban Jan Murphy Gawler Tony Sutherland Hills Jan Murphy Le Fevre Jan Murphy North East Urban Matt Coffey North West Urban Matt Coffey Northern Urban Matt Coffey Tea Tree Gully Matt Coffey and Jan Murphy
Metro Area Fleurieu Mitcham Noarlunga Southern Urban Central Urban Southern Vales Torrens Western Urban
Organiser Andrew Gohl Meredith Farmer Daniel Pereira Meredith Farmer Lisa Sigalla Lisa Sigalla Andrew Gohl Steve Marshall
Country Area Eyre Far North Far West Flinders Lincoln Lower North North Mid North Pirie Whyalla
Country Area Barossa Kangaroo Island Lower South East Murraylands Riverland Upper South East Yorke
Organiser Meredith Farmer Andrew Gohl Daniel Pereira Lisa Sigalla Meredith Farmer Lisa Sigalla Steve Marshall
Organiser Jan Murphy Anne Beinke Matt Coffey Anne Beinke Jan Murphy Anne Beinke Anne Beinke Anne Beinke Anne Beinke Anne Beinke
RU FAINRNFU I NG N DI H NG E ADNOW! 7 ‘Fair Funding Now’ van is here in Adelaide. Keep your eye out for it at your school, in shopping centres and at events in Boothby.
“If you see us in your neighbourhood, come up and find out how you can help raise awareness for fair funding for all public schools.”
What do we want? Fair Funding Now!
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e believe all schools and preschools should be properly resourced to meet the unique needs of every child to help them meet their potential. Every child has the right to a quality education and the opportunity to learn. Fair funding for public schools is the best way to help all children access a good education. We are calling for needs-based funding that ensures all schools meet the agreed school resource standard. The LNP federal government legislated to cap Commonwealth funding to public schools at only 20% of what is needed to reach the minimum school resource standard. Meanwhile, the Commonwealth funds private schools to 80% of the school resource standard. The federal LNP government’s $1.9 billion funding cut to public schools in 2018 and 2019 will leave 87% of public schools in Australia below the minimum level of funding required to meet the educational needs of children. The children who will be most affected by these funding cuts are the ones with the highest needs. Public schools are
missing out on billions of dollars in funding whilst 85% of private schools get more public funding than public schools. Disability funding has been cut. The Morrison government’s plan will leave 9 out of 10 public schools below the national resource standard by 2023.
This inequality needs to stop. Fair funding would mean smaller class sizes, more one-on-one support, additional teachers and support staff and more support for children with disabilities or behavioural needs.
How can you help? Register as a supporter of the Fair Funding Now on the campaign website. You will find information and support materials you can download to help you to raise awareness with friends, family and in your school community. Stay connected via our social media pages on the AEU (SA Branch) and Fair Funding Now Facebook pages to get regular updates and share posts. The Fair Funding Now campaign is focusing on marginal electorates leading up to the Federal election. Our campaign in South Australia is based
in the marginal seat of Boothby. The Fair Funding Now van arrived in Adelaide on 11 March and will be visiting schools, shopping centres and events in the Boothby electorate leading up to the election. If you see us in your neighbourhood, come up and find out how you can help raise awareness for fair funding for all public schools. If your school is based in the Boothby electorate, speak to your Sub-branch Secretary to find out when we are visiting your school and join us for coffee, a muffin and a chat as we share what fair funding would mean for your school community. If you would like to assist us in getting the important Fair Funding Now message to the broader community, please help us to letterbox Boothby residents in your area. Contact us by emailing: ffn@aeusa.asn.au to join us in this activity. Want to know what fair full funding for your school would look like? Visit www.fairgoforschools.com.au to find out what an appropriate funding amount would be for your school. Have the conversation with your colleagues at your next staff meeting about what a difference this funding could make to the learning environment in your workplace. Help us to make fair funding for public education a major issue in this upcoming federal election. Every bit of support you provide will make a difference. n
Follow Fair
Funding Now on social media and share posts Join the campaign at:8: www.fairfundingnow.org.au 9
S ECU R E WO RK C A M PAIG N
“We need to change the rules so that permanent employment is again the norm in public education.” timeframe for conversion to the end of Term 4. At the time of publication, the department has not conducted an audit of ECWs in readiness to convert them to permanency, citing workload pressures in head office as the reason why this commitment has not been followed up.
SECURE OUR JOBS
Job security Considering the investment to train teachers, providing conditions to keep them in the profession constitutes sound financial practice.
T
he steady march towards casualisation of the Australian workforce continues across many sectors of the economy, and the educational sector has also been affected. Public education was once considered a solid career choice as an ongoing job for life. Across Australia, 50% of new graduates leave the education profession in the first five years citing job insecurity as the major reason why. The AEU is regularly contacted by concerned teachers and support staff at all stages of their careers, professionals who work hard and maintain their commitment to public education and yet still find themselves in insecure contracts after 10 or 15 years working Only 19% of ECWs are permanent Only 35% of staff in preschools are permanent Only 67% of school teachers are permanent Only 44% of SSOs are permanent Only 52% of AEWs are permanent Across the Department, only 60% of employees are permanent and this has decreased from 64% in 2016.
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in the sector. The 2018 Education Department Workforce Report reflects the reality of unacceptably high levels of contract employment across the different sectors in education (see table below). Action needs to be taken to address this negative trend towards casual and contract work in public education. Job insecurity will lead to educators continuing to leave the profession with the result being loss of considerable experience and expertise, which will in turn impact on learning environments and student outcomes. The AEU continues to win hundreds of conversions to permanent employment for teachers, leaders and support staff. However, because of the high percentage of contract employment in education, these wins are not enough. Contract employment suits the department and is not viewed as a high priority, so precarious employment situations continue to rise in South Australia. Last year the Department for Education said that they would conduct an audit of Early Childhood Workers to convert a large number to permanent employment by the end of Term 1 in 2018, as 81% of ECWs are on insecure contracts. The department then pushed out the
Insecure work has negative impacts on individuals and school communities. Members report that being on insecure work contracts leaves them feeling disempowered to genuinely participate in staff meetings and school decisions, they are unable to make long term financial decisions and many delay starting a family. Unstable staffing levels in schools and preschools is also unsettling for children and young people and affects school improvement processes. The rules need to change so that permanent employment becomes the norm again in public education. Through the Enterprise Bargaining process the AEU advocates that temporary contract employment must only be used for genuine operational reasons where permanent employment cannot be reasonably offered, and that long term employees must have an avenue to gain secure, quality jobs through a conversion process and effective grievance systems. The AEU believes this is a low or no cost item that would provide improved efficiencies and reduce staffing costs within the department. Temporary employees must be respected. The AEU is advocating for change by: • Lodging a dispute in the SAET seeking teacher conversions • Prioritising secure work in the Enterprise Bargaining negotiations • Enforcing the AEW conversion processes in the current Enterprise Agreement • Lobbying for a one off conversion process for ECWs • Winning leaders conversion to permanency • Advocating for and winning convern sion to permanency for SSOs.
I N FO RM AT ION TO TAF E M E M B E RS
Enterprise Bargaining negotiations are about to commence for TAFE SA in May 2019. Here’s a rundown of the process for TAFE…
E
nterprise Bargaining is a legislated process that occurs between unions and employers in order to make an Enterprise Agreement that operates to regulate salary levels and working conditions. Our Enterprise Agreement is negotiated between the AEU and the employer and the negotiation process is governed by provisions of the Fair Work Act 1994 (SA) which require the parties to use their best endeavours to resolve the issues in question. This means that as State Government employees we are operating under the State Industrial Relations system, not the Federal Industrial Relations System. Our current agreement is the TAFE SA Educational Staff Enterprise Agreement (EA2016). This agreement must be renegotiated after three years and it has a nominal expiry date of 21 October 2019. Renegotiation may commence six months prior to the expiry. The last pay increase scheduled for the current EA2016 was paid on and from the first full pay period after the 1 October 2018.
We are the only one In relation to TAFE Lectures, Lecturer Assistants, HPIs, Invigilators and Education Managers, the AEU is the
only association formally registered under the Fair Work Act 1994 to represent members, and thus be a party to Enterprise Agreement approved by the Industrial Relations Commission of South Australia.
So if you want your voice heard, it is best to join the AEU. You can join online at: www.aeusa.asn.au Who Agrees? An Enterprise Agreement must be voted upon and agreed by the majority of employees that are covered by the agreement. Before we will agree to an agreement the AEU will ballot members.
of Facebook memes to encourage everyone to enrol to vote. Your TAFE depends on it!
TAFE
What is Enterprise Bargaining?
1 Keep your eye out for this series
winning improvements to salary and conditions.
What do we want?
The AEU is currently consulting with members about what proposals we want to put to the employer during the enterprise bargaining negotiations. For feedback on matters of interest to you, email us on:
eb18@aeusa.asn.au
Enrol to vote! “YOUR TAFE DEPENDS ON IT”
Your vote in the upcoming federal elections is vital for TAFE’s survival. Encourage all to enrol to vote so your voice can be heard and together we can make a difference. n
It is important that you keep up-todate with the information on the progress of the enterprise bargaining and provide us with your feedback on matters that are of interest to you and your colleagues. The success of any negotiations is dependent upon displays of collective strength and activism by members throughout the negotiating process. If we are united, organised and strong we will have more success in
You can enrol to vote online at:
8: https://www.aec.gov.au/enrol 11
8: tchampion@aeusa.asn.au
WO M E N’S FOCU S
1Go to link below in Download resources for this selection and more resources to help us celebrate this great event.
SA celebrates 125 years 125 years later – still so much work to do, writes Women’s Officer Tish Champion. On 18 December 1894, the Adult Suffrage Bill passed in the South Australian Parliament allowing women to vote and be elected as Members of Parliament. This legislation was pioneering with SA being the first Australian state to pass such a Bill.
“Stay tuned for information about this years’ AEU SA Women’s Conference which will feature the 125 year anniversary.”
Many men and women worked tirelessly for many years campaigning, let-
ter writing, gathering signatures and lobbying members of parliament and
Pregnant in 2019? There is no difference between taking paid maternity leave at full pay or half pay for a permanent employee.
Contract employees however – beware! Your maternity leave is best taken at half pay! After months of Enterprise Bargaining discussions with the department, government negotiators have not moved on increasing the current three month break in service rule for non-permanent employees taking paid maternity leave and unpaid maternity leave. The current three month rule significantly disadvantages contract employees who take the DfE paid maternity leave followed by the federal Paid Parental Leave Scheme (CPPL). The CPPL is an entitlement to 18 weeks of basic minimum wage payments. If a contract teacher fails to work at least one day within a three month period excluding holidays, they will incur a 12
break in service and lose any accrued service and leave entitlements. The CPPL at 18 weeks will tip most women over into “break in service” territory if the CPPL is taken after their DfE entitlement. However, taking the DfE entitlement at half pay automatically doubles the length of time a woman can take off before incurring a break in service. Full pay maternity leave of 16 weeks immediately following by the CPPL will result in a break in service approximately 32 weeks after beginning your leave. Taking the 16 weeks of paid maternity leave at half pay over 32 weeks followed by the CPPL, increases the time you can take off before incurring a break in service to approximately 56 n weeks. If you have questions about your entitlements and how to maximise them, contact the AEU Information Unit on 8172 6300.
the community to grant women a modicum of equal rights. Gaining the vote at that time was seen as a huge step towards gender equality in South Australia. While South Australian Aboriginal women were granted the same right to vote in 1894, they were actively discouraged from enrolling or voting. While we should absolutely acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of the suffragists in the late 19th and early 20th century in steering South Australia on the road to gender equality, we must also use 2019 as a platform to highlight the inequalities that still prevail in our society and demand change. Stay tuned for information about this years AEU SA Women’s Conference which will feature the 125 year anniversary.
This toolkit has been created by the SA Government Office for Women to commemorate the 125th anniversary of this ground breaking legislation under the theme ‘Their n triumph, our motivation’.
Download resources You can download the toolkit, social media graphics and a high quality version of the fact sheet from:
https://adobe.ly/2Svu89K
For more information: www.officeforwomen.sa.gov.au/ SAsuffrage125
U N ION TRAI N I NG A N D PROF E S S ION A L DEVE LOPM E NT PRO G RA M 2019
Professional Development
Running Professional Learning for Colleagues
Spotlight Seminar: The importance of ongoing funding in Early Childhood
AIM: To develop knowledge, skills including planning, structuring and sequencing learning programs for adult educators.
Thursday 14 March
Wednesday 24 April
9:15am – 3:30pm
OPEN TO: AEU Members and Potential Members. COST: AEU Members (discount) $99.00 and Potential Members $297.00 (Including GST).
4:30pm – 6:30pm
AIM: Explore and discuss how AEU member power can make a difference to moving negotiators and politicians forward on increased levels of job security and ongoing levels of funding in the Early Childhood sector.
Union Training
OPEN TO: AEU Members. Country members can link in via the Facebook Live event. COST: Free.
New Workplace Representatives (2 day course)
Merit Selection Retraining Monday 18 March
4:30pm – 6:30pm
AIM: To update Merit Selection skills for those members trained in 2014 so you can nominate as an AEU panellist.
Tuesday 19 March
SESSION 1: Friday 1 March
AIM: To develop the knowledge and skills of union representatives both in terms of industrial and practical information, consultation methods and processes.
Working as a TRT Series (4 workshops)
4:30pm – 6:30pm
Tuesday 17 September
4:30pm – 6:30pm
Tuesday 26 November
4:30pm – 6:30pm
1:30pm – 4:30pm
SESSION 2: to be decided
OPEN TO: AEU Members. COST: $44.00 (Including GST).
Tuesday 25 June
9:15am – 3:30pm
TAFE Workplace Representatives (2 day course)
DETAILS: Designed for teachers who have just been appointed to their first leadership role or are aspiring to a leadership role.
4:30pm – 6:30pm
Friday 5 April
OPEN TO: AEU Reps who have not attended AEU 2 day union education course. (Strongly recommended for newly elected workplace reps/SBS). COST: Free.
6:30pm – 8:00pm
Tuesday 26 March
9:15am – 3:30pm
AIM: To develop the knowledge and skills of union representatives both in terms of industrial and practical information, consultation methods and processes.
OPEN TO: AEU Members who were Merit Selection Panel trained in 2014. COST: Free.
New Leaders Online Workshop: Introduction to Leadership
Thursday 4 April
OPEN TO: TAFE workgroup representatives. COST: Free.
New Educators Conference: “Level Up: Skilling up in the world of teaching” *See Ad on page 2.
AIM: These sessions focus on issues faced by TRTs in the workplace and in their professional career. Workshop 1: Professional Learning for TRTs Workshop 2: TRT Kit Bags Workshop 3: Work Health and Safety for TRTs Workshop 4: Mindfulness for TRTs.
DAY 1: Friday 24 May
9:15am – 3:30pm
DAY 2: Saturday 25 May
9:15am – 2:00pm
AIM: To develop the skills, knowledge and experience of teachers in their first three years regarding working in public education in SA and being an AEU SA Member. OPEN TO: AEU Members in their first three years of teaching. COST: Free.
OPEN TO: AEU TRT members. COST: $11 per session or $33 for all 4 sessions (Including GST).
Classroom Management and Engagement Strategies (3 day course) Tuesday 16 April
9.15am – 3.30pm
Wednesday 17 April
9.15am – 3.30pm
Tuesday 9 July
9.15am – 3.30pm
AIM: To develop the knowledge and skills of classroom teachers in direct relation to classroom management and student engagement practices. OPEN TO: AEU Members and Potential Members. COST: AEU Members (discount) $99.00 or Potential Members $333.00 (Including GST). Including catering and printed materials.
8: www.aeusa.asn.au>events & courses
Info on any events and courses or to register go to:
8: training@aeusa.asn.au
or email Sam Lisle-Menzel at:
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COU NCI L DAT E S FO R 2019
Branch Council Meetings Saturday, 6 April Saturday, 1 June Saturday, 24 August Saturday, 16 November
TAFE Divisional Council Meetings Friday, 5 April Friday, 30 May Friday, 23 August Friday, 15 November
*Winner Winner Winner of the AEU Journal survey. Prize – double pass to the movies at a cinema of your choice. The AEU SA Branch congratulates Geoff Stephens! Geoff is an Instrumental Music Teacher based around Penola. Geoff has kindly donated his prize and the AEU will make a donation to the value of the prize to APHEDA – Union Aid Abroard – in his name.
DON’T RISK BECOMING UNFINANCIAL! If your AEU subscription is not up-todate and you become unfinancial you will not be able to vote in sub-branch meetings, vote in AEU elections or access the services of the AEU. If you are unsure of your financial status or need to update your subscription payment please contact AEU membership on: phone: 8172 6300 or email:
NOMINATIONS FOR AEU COMMITTEES
Australian Education Union | SA Branch Nominations are called to fill vacancies on the following AEU Committees
Legal Defence Appeals Committee:
The Legal Defence Appeals Committee determines appeals arising from the Union’s Legal Defence Rules. Four vacancies for a term ending March 2020. Nominees must be 2019 Branch Council Delegates who are not members of Branch Executive.
Administrative Officer Review Committees: Administrative Officer Review
Committees consider applications for Administrative Officer vacancies and recommend preferred candidates for appointment. Four female and four male vacancies for a term ending March 2020. Nominees must be 2019 Branch Council Delegates.
Curriculum and Professional Development Management Committee: The Committee is responsible for policy development in relation to
curriculum and professional issues and oversights the AEU professional development program.Two vacancies for a term ending March 2021.
STANDING COMMITTEES
:
Finance The Committee is chaired by the Treasurer and prepares the AEU budget and reviews expenditure on a quarterly basis. One male and one female vacancy for 2 years ending December 2020.
Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare: The Committee monitors OHS&W issues and advises on matters relating to the working environment and health of members and students. One female vacancy for 2 years ending December 2020. Reconciliation Standing Committee (pending rule change at April Branch Council). Following November 2018 Branch Council decision to endorse the AEU SA Branch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and pending adoption of a rule change at April Branch Council, nominations are called to fill the following vacancies. Formulation of the committee must have representation of indigenous and non-indigenous members. Two female and one male vacancy for 2 years ending December 2020. Two male and one female vacancy for 2 years ending December 2019. (A sub-committee of AEU Branch Executive has been convened to develop Terms of Reference for this Committee.)
CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES Consultative Committees provide advice to Branch Executive on matters affecting their membership sector. All vacancies are for a one-year term of office ending
December 2019.
Contract and TRT – Six vacancies. Employable, Contract and TRT members. Early Childhood – Seven vacancies, a majority of whom shall be Children’s Services Act employees. Members working in Early Childhood Education.
School Services Officers – Four vacancies. School Services Officers in DfE. Leaders Consultative Committee – Eight vacancies. School leader
members in all sectors of schooling.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Intersex (LGBTI)
– Three vacancies (one reserved for ATSI member). All membership sectors and classifications.
Aboriginal Education – Seven vacancies. Indigenous members from all membership sectors and classifications.
membership@aeusa.asn.au
CLOSING DATE: Nominations for these Committee vacancies must reach the:
HOLIDAY HOUSE – ROBE
Returning Officer, 163 Greenhill Road, Parkside SA 5063, no later than 5.00pm on Wednesday, 3 April 2019. A nomination form is available at: https://www.aeusa.asn.au/NominationForm and
Holiday house for rent at Longbeach, Robe. Accommodates 8. Member discounts apply. Phone Brett on: 0439 566 523 for further information/photos.
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from the AEU. Nominations may be accompanied by a supporting statement of not more than 200 words.
ELECTION PROCEDURE: Ballots for contested positions will be conducted at Branch Council on Saturday, 6 April 2019. David Smith, Returning Officer
AEU COMMUNICATIONS 2019
The way we communicate is changing
W
e know members want to hear more from us, but how we deliver our information to you needs to be adjusted. So we are making some changes. We are introducing more digital forms of communication, making sure we get the right balance between the convenience and speed of digital delivery and the familiarity and readability of print materials. This is the second AEU Journal that has been distributed electronically. We will be tweaking the design to be easier to read on mobiles, tablets and computer screens in the future. Limited printed copies of the Journal will be delivered to all sites to share.
What to expect We know you are time poor, so here is how we will be communicating with you in the future: SMS – For high priority messages. Used rarely, but a ‘must open’ item.
eNews – Each sector will receive a sectorspecific eNews monthly. No more scanning to find something relevant to you, as all information included will be of interest. A separate Union Education Update eNews will be sent monthly. Social media – Regular posts about updates, campaigns, meetings and events as well as curated content about topics and debate around public education. Make sure you are signed up to our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube accounts. Website – The go-to reference point for information you may need. We plan to redesign the site later in the year to make it more user-friendly and able to be used easily on all mobile devices. The Journal – One edition will be produced each term and will mainly be a digital delivery to members with printed versions to share sent to all sites. The first 2019 Journal will be in the old format, but the second edition will show-
AEU Notice Board Competition AEU Notice board at Hawker Here’s Sasha’s notice board which takes up double storeroom doors in the staff room!
case the new redesign, including a more responsive digital version able to be easily read on mobiles, tablets and computers. PAC Chat, HSR Connect, Leaders Chat will all be used in the same way in 2019.
Future communications Later this year we will begin to develop an AEU Membership mobile app to give members the ability to manage their details, access news and information and receive messages and reminders in a convenient way. In the future we will be introducing blogs and podcasts to showcase issues, ideas and policies and exploring the use of filmed content across YouTube and other platforms. We want to understand your needs as members more, so we will be creating more short surveys. Please participate to help us get our communications right. n
AN INVITATION TO RETIRED OR RETIRING TEACHERS & SSOs Have you retired or are about to retire? Are you seeking opportunities to maintain or increase your level of fitness and want to learn more about your city and surrounding hills and bushland? Are you seeking companionship with other retired teachers and their partners as well as other walkers from a range of backgrounds – not just teaching? Our walks are organised at several levels. Rovers walk from 14–16 kms, Walkers from 8–10 kms, Ramblers from 6–7 kms and Amblers up to 5 kms. The Retired Teachers Walking Group is affiliated with Walking SA – the peak walking body in SA. We walk in conservation parks, national parks and forestry reserves within the Adelaide Hills and Mount Lofty Ranges, Fleurieu Peninsula, suburban beaches and along the six creeks of the Adelaide Plains, the River Torrens Linear Park and other suburban, historic and country trails. It’s a great way to get to know your city and surroundings – as well as maintaining fitness! A camp is also organised each year in country areas within South Australia or Victoria.
Don’t miss your chance to win a morning tea supplied by the AEU! We will showcase the winner in the AEU Journal.
To win an AEU morning tea take a shot of your notice board send your images to: email: journal@aeusa.asn.au
If you are interested in finding out more about our walking group, you are invited to contact: our Convener, David Fallon Mob: 0417 001 766 email: dave.fallon@bigpond.com our Walking SA Rep, John Eaton Mob: 0419 176 713 email: joneaton@bigpond.net.au We hope you will join us for the 2019 walking season!
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We’ve made a promise. To be there for the educators, the inspirers and the nurturers. To care for you when you’re sick (and when you’re not). Because when you’re at your best, you can bring out the best in others too.
Andrew, School principal & THF member
We’re for teachers – that’s our promise. To find out more about what we can do for you, head to teachershealth.com.au/promise
Eligibility criteria and conditions apply. Teachers Federation Health Ltd ABN 86 097 030 414 trading as Teachers Health. A Registered Private Health Insurer. THF-AEU/SA-03/19
