Dear Monique
I am an experienced assistant at my kindergarten. A teacher repeatedly belittles me in front of children and parents. I am feeling anxious about working with them, and I do not feel comfortable resolving the situation informally as they are in a position of authority. I am hesitant about contacting my employer regarding what I am experiencing. What can I do?
Paige
I am an experienced assistant at my kindergarten. A teacher repeatedly belittles me in front of children and parents. I am feeling anxious about working with them, and I do not feel comfortable resolving the situation informally as they are in a position of authority. I am hesitant about contacting my employer regarding what I am experiencing. What can I do?
Paige
Dear Paige
I am so sorry to hear you are experiencing belittling behaviour from a colleague. The repeated behaviour exhibited towards you may meet the definition of workplace bullying and is considered a psychosocial hazard. We recommend that you diarise any incidents in the first instance.
Under the Work Health and Safety Legislation, your employer must ensure that workers and other persons are not exposed to risks to their psychological or physical health and safety.
Codes of Practice, such as the Managing the Risk of Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace Code of Practice, and/or workplace policies are typical WHS control measures that employers use to manage risks in the workplace.
It is always preferable to resolve the matter informally with the other person if possible, so you will have a greater chance of maintaining or rebuilding your working relationship.
However, if your situation cannot be dealt with informally because of the power imbalance, we recommend you make a formal written complaint. If you decide to make a complaint, your complaint should:
•outline the nature of your complaint•give details of the incident(s) (when each incident occurred, who witnessed it, and what you were feeling)•provide supporting evidence, and•outline any resolutions you are seeking.
Before you submit your written complaint to your employer, your complaint should be reviewed by our union. Once your complaint has been submitted, your employer is required to investigate and resolve the matter through its complaints process. Your employer may offer a facilitated conversation or mediation as a way in which to address the bullying.
Should this not be successful, or should your employer not manage this appropriately, there are options you can consider. Our union can assist you in formally addressing the matter and ensure you receive the respect at work you deserve.
Monique
NSW/ACT Entitlement to Educational Leader allowance
Dear Tina
I’m a four-year trained full-time teacher in a long day care centre. I became proficient at the beginning of 2024 and my director asked if I would be the Educational Leader for two hours per day. I am willing to take on this role and provide the pedagogical support to our team. My understanding was that I would receive an annual allowance, but I have been told that I would only be paid the hours that I am designated as Educational Leader. Can you please explain what I’m entitled to.
Jessica
I’m a four-year trained full-time teacher in a long day care centre. I became proficient at the beginning of 2024 and my director asked if I would be the Educational Leader for two hours per day. I am willing to take on this role and provide the pedagogical support to our team. My understanding was that I would receive an annual allowance, but I have been told that I would only be paid the hours that I am designated as Educational Leader. Can you please explain what I’m entitled to.
Jessica
Dear Jessica
Several members have raised this issue. Under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020, the Educational Leader’s allowance is paid as a daily rate for an employee who works less than five days. Clause 19.4(e) says, “Where an employee is required to act as educational leader for less than five days per week, the annual allowance prescribed by clause 19.4(e) will be payable on a pro rata basis calculated by reference to the number of days per week the employee is required to act as educational leader. For example, if you were working three days per week you would be paid 3/5ths of the annual rate.
Because you are working full-time five days per week regardless of the two hours you are allocated to perform the role, you are entitled to the full annual allowance of $4253. The Educational Leader’s allowance cannot be paid as an hourly rate. The two hours per day you are provided with may be the time you need to research, inform, and disseminate information to staff and to provide mentoring.
Tina