Christian school teachers voting on new MEA

The rates of pay continue to be above those applying in government and Catholic systemic schools.

At Newsmonth press time teachers in nearly 50 NSW Christian schools were voting on a new Teaching Staff Multi-Enterprise Agreement (MEA) which will be in force until the end of 2017.

The Union is recommending a ‘yes’ vote on the MEA.

The Union has been in negotiations with Christian Schools Australia for more than 12 months on the new MEA. The previous agreement expired at the end of 2012.

Teachers received interim pay rises in 2013, 2014 and 2015 but the Union had been unable to reach agreement with employers over the terms of a new MEA.

Schools had insisted that any new MEA reduced existing conditions, including personal carer’s leave, long service leave and redundancy pay, in exchange for further pay rises. The IEU has consistently rejected such reductions in conditions.

The Union has now reached agreement with schools for increases of between 2% and 2.25% in February 2016 and February 2017 without a reduction in conditions.

In addition pay increases recommended by Christian Schools Australia for February and August this year will also be legally enforceable in 46 of the schools covered by the MEA.

The increases over the period of the MEA are above predicted inflation levels and broadly in line with those being paid in the sector. The rates of pay continue to be above those applying in government and Catholic systemic schools. Members with queries should not hesitate to contact the Union organiser for their school.

Carol Matthews
Assistant Secretary