After 14 rewarding years as an IEU Organiser, I am soon to become a retiree, which means I’ll be able to access even more benefits that my union and the greater union movement have afforded me.
I stayed working with the union much longer than anticipated. My first experience of leading a rally terrified me to the extent that I planned to be elsewhere when that agreement came due for renewal.
In the end, my favourite day was organising and leading the industrial action for the Hear Our Voice campaign.
Spreading the good news of significant pay rises to my ACT and south-east NSW Catholic systemic schools has been an extremely rewarding experience.
Seeing Reps and chapters in independent and Christian schools seeking meetings with principals to request interim or higher pay increases is also impressive.
The next step is to address workloads. Teachers work incredibly hard at school and at home, even when on leave.
A day at school for both teachers and support staff is busy, intense, demanding and often noisy.
Teachers are expected to be experts in differentiating the curriculum, in methods of teaching and learning, and in managing extreme behaviours.
It has been a privilege to work for an organisation with great leaders and exceptional teams who carry out various roles within the Branch.
Except for not liking Mondays, I have enjoyed and been challenged by all aspects of my work.
School visits, advising and supporting members, bargaining with employers, and involvement with teacher registration authorities and other unions are just some of the ways I’ve filled my days.