Science teacher Woolley joined the IEU upon graduation two years ago because he sees the “great benefit of teachers getting together to support each other”.
Luedi and Woolley both said information is key to creating a better workplace and attending Council had provided them with new insights they could take back to their schools.
They said young people were hesitant to join unions because of the heavy financial burden they faced early in their careers.
“They can be persuaded when the benefits of being involved with a collective are highlighted,” Luedi said.
Andrew Frawley of St Marys Primary School Bellingen has been an IEU Rep for 30 years and has recently increased his interest in the IEU’s wider activities following feedback and conversations with members from different schools in his branch.
His wife Ann-Marie, who is also a Rep at St Augustine’s Primary School Coffs Harbour, attended Council as an observer.
“It’s great seeing the bigger picture,” she said.
Pam Adams of John Paul College Coffs Harbour has been an IEU member since she started teaching in 1984.
She learnt her lessons young. As a 16 year old she questioned her pay in her part time job and was no longer offered any shifts. She then went to work at a unionised Big W and noticed the difference in the way staff were treated.
“Being part of the union collective over the years has really helped many colleagues. There have also been some wonderful role models in my chapter.”
As women’s rep, Adams is passionate about women’s rights and was inspired by the IEU’s Women’s Conference, which she has attended four times.
