The IEU met in Canberra on Thursday 6 July with representatives of the three ACT Christian schools, Brindabella Christian College, Trinity Christian School and Emmaus Christian School. The schools were represented by Christian Schools Australia (CSA). The IEU team included ACT Organisers Berna Simpson and Anthony Telford and Sydney-based Deputy Secretary Carol Matthews and Industrial Officer, Neal Bent.
The meeting was the first stage of negotiations for a new Multi-Enterprise Agreement (MEA) for teachers to replace the current MEA that expired at the end of June this year. The schools have already paid a ‘good faith’ increase of 3% from the first pay period from 1 July.
Members have advised the IEU they see this first payment as an interim payment, and we have passed on this view to the CSA.
Other IEU claims discussed were improvements to paid parental leave, the introduction of paid parental leave for fathers who are primary carers in the first year after birth, a claim for portability of personal/carer’s leave and improvements to some other forms of leave.
The IEU is also seeking clear guidelines for release for coordinators and for early career teachers and their mentors.
These discussions are taking place in the context of significant pay rises for teachers in ACT government schools and we have urged the schools to remain competitive in the salaries they offer.