New young voice for IEU executive

Committed young IEU Rep Anna Luedi was elected to the Union’s executive on 16 March.

Anna, 29, has been IEU Rep at St Mary’s Catholic Primary North Sydney for only one year, but had no hesitation nominating for the role on Executive, where she is keen to represent young women teachers, as well as members working in city schools.

“There are a few vacancies at Union sub branches representing Sydney schools, so I wanted to make sure there was that representation.

“I also wanted to encourage young members to get involved. Young staff can be sluggish at joining the union sometimes.

“Being on the Union’s Executive is a great opportunity to become actively engaged and networking with other activist.

“I want to advocate for women’s rights and discuss ways of achieving improvements in things like super.”

Anna attributes her Union activism to her father, “a very politically minded person”.

“My father was a Professor of Art Direction in Munich and fought strongly on intellectual property and copyright issues.

“It takes strength and courage to stand up for your rights. I try and instil in members the confidence to insist on their rights. That it’s ok to say, ‘I’m allowed this’.”

Anna sees information as the key to being a strong and confident Union member.

“I’m learning how important unions are to the big picture politically when it comes to making a change.”