Baptism by Zoom for new IEU officers

Teachers are so important to the future of our country and society in general, it’s really important to protect their workplace rights and it is a special opportunity to be able to do that.

The first taste of the IEU has been unusual for new Organiser Anthony Telford and Industrial Officer Neal Bent.

Their inductions have been conducted via Zoom and they have yet to meet many of their colleagues in person.

Anthony has replaced long-time organiser Lyn Caton while she is seconded to the IEU’s federal office. Working in Canberra, Anthony has had more opportunity to liaise with colleagues in person, but he’s still spent a lot of time on Zoom getting to know the Sydney team.

A teacher with 27 years’ experience in both primary and secondary schools, most recently at St Francis Xavier in Florey, Anthony plans to use his experience to assist members get the best and fairest outcomes.

The former Maths teacher grew up in Broken Hill, where unionism is part of the culture, and he has always been a strong advocate for unionism and left-wing politics.

He said his experience 'putting out fires' as a Year 12 coordinator will also help IEU members.

He’s on a steep learning curve getting around the intricacies of enterprise agreements, policies and procedures, and dealing with nervous members concerned about COVID issues.

Neal was a lawyer specialising in employment before starting at the IEU. He has also worked in a community legal centre in western Sydney. His father was an active member of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, and his grandfather took part in the biggest strike in India’s history, so Neal has a family background of activism.

Working in employment law, he saw the struggles people went through if they got into trouble at work without belonging to a union.

“I saw how these people were disadvantaged, and how the power of a collective could help them,” Neal said.

“Teachers are so important to the future of our country and society in general, it’s really important to protect their workplace rights and it is a special opportunity to be able to do that.”

Despite his background, Neal said his first few weeks at the IEU have brought a lot of new learning, which is “rewarding and interesting”.

“I have my first general protection case, and it’s very challenging, but a great experience at the same time.”

Neal has yet to visit his new workplace. Both men said their IEU colleagues had worked hard to guide them through the unusual circumstances of their inductions.

Sue Osborne
Journalist