At the IEU Council meeting on 15 June, more than 100 member delegates unanimously endorsed the union’s claim for new multi-enterprise agreements for teachers and professional, administrative and operational staff in independent schools that are represented by the Association of Independent Schools (AIS).
Bargaining meetings are already under way (read the AIS article). The union’s claim includes:
Fix pay: Teachers in NSW government schools and Catholic systemic schools achieved unprecedented 8% pay rises in 2023. For many teachers in independent schools, pay rates in enterprise agreements are now lower than those for teachers in government schools. The IEU is calling for the 5% to 7% pay premium to be restored – it reflects and recognises face-to-face teaching hours, extras, playground duties and other co-curricular requirements such as weekend sport, as well as the lack of portability of benefits between schools.
Address workloads: Staff in independent schools are struggling under unsustainable workloads. The union seeks clear, school-based standards around face-to-face teaching hours, the number of meetings, extra classes and playground duties, as well as requirements for attendance at weekend activities. Employers must implement the newly legislated right to disconnect.
Boost parental leave: Parental leave should be commensurate with other school sectors, and all parents (including fathers) who are the primary carers of their infants should receive a fair deal. Superannuation should be paid on parental leave.
A better deal for support staff: Professional, administrative and operational staff in AIS schools are paid below their colleagues in NSW government and Catholic systemic schools at all points of the pay scale, and they have less leave. It’s time to do better.
Guarantee fair processes: The union calls for clear and transparent processes around promotions and flexible work arrangements, and for the right for staff to have the Fair Work Commission determine workplace disputes. Exemptions allowing discrimination on the basis of gender or disability should be scrapped. These rights are commonplace in other workplaces.