About the AEU

The Australian Education Union (AEU) is a federally registered union that represents the public education sector throughout Australia. Nationally it has more than 160,000 members.

Under the umbrella of the AEU, each state and territory has its own branch. In Victoria that body is the AEU Victorian Branch (AEUVB). Its members are principals, teachers and education support staff employed in government schools, early childhood teachers and assistants, teachers in TAFE and Adult Multicultural Education Services, and instructors in disability services.

Membership of the AEU Victorian Branch continues to grow rapidly. In December 2008 it exceeded 38,000 members - a new record for AEU Victoria, and more than double the membership when the branch was formed in 1996.

Our campaigns for fair pay and fair funding for Victorian education have attracted thousands of new members in the past year.

WHAT WE DO

The AEU Victorian Branch prides itself on being an organisation that caters for the personal, professional and industrial needs of its members. We work with our members to achieve improved conditions of employment and to advance their professional interests. We also promote the value of the work of our members within society.

Personal assistance
If you experience a problem, or simply need professional advice, AEUVB staff will support, advise and represent your interests.

Our Membership Services Unit is your first point of contact by telephone, e-mail, fax or letter, or you can make an appointment to meet an officer. AEUVB organisers visit workplaces regularly and are available to members. Our capacity to refer members for an initial free legal consultation on any matter is much appreciated.

Professional support and advocacy
The AEUVB takes up professional issues on behalf of members individually, or in groups. This includes matters relating to teaching and learning, career advancement and professional development. We also provide professional development directly and through the Teacher Learning Network (TLN).

The AEUVB's major professional publication is Professional Voice, produced three times a year and available online and in print.

The AEUVB promotes the value of public education and the role played by our members. We also spend significant resources informing the public on educational issues. We use unpaid media and paid advertising to promote public education in an endeavour to keep public education as the prime political issue in Victoria.

Industrial representation
The AEUVB liaises with the employers of our members. We lobby and negotiate to improve the working conditions and salaries of members. One of the key issues facing the union is the growing teacher shortage. Unless salaries, workload and contract employment issues are addressed, the shortage of teachers will worsen.

AEU membership also brings a host of other benefits through our partners and allies. For more information about what the union can do for you click here.