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Home Campaigns
Current Campaigns Early Childhood Teachers and Assistants Agreement
A new agreement covering community preschools has been lodged with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission after receiving the overwhelming support of early childhood teachers and assistants. The certified agreement - an updated version of the 2005 MECA - was supported by 99.09% of staff in a secret ballot. The agreement was negotiated by the AEU and fellow union the LHMU and employers body Kindergarten Parents Victoria. For the first time the MECA will cover both teachers and early childhood education assistants. The full agreement is available to download here. (PDF 794KB) Read it in conjunction with the Detailed Summary document you will have received at your place of work. The agreement, officially known as the "Early Childhood Teachers Multi-Employer Certified Agreement 2005 (Varied and Extended)", brings: For the first time, preschool teachers enjoy parity with primary teachers on entry and at the top of the scale by 2012 - the fulfillment of a long-held AEU objective. A major restructure will see two new increments at the top of the pay scale for teachers, and the removal of three at the bottom, unlocking pay rises well in excess of the Government's 3.25% pay policy. Over four years, the agreement means: We urge you to vote YES. Ballot closes 5pm on Friday, 19 June 2009. Negotiations are continuing with the MAV for a local government agreement in accordance with the Heads of Agreement. Members employed in local government are invited to attend the information sessions currently being held across Victoria. TAFE 4 ALL
Higher fees, student debts and fewer courses - that's what the Brumby Government's plans for technical and further education will mean from July 1.The AEU and the entire TAFE community are strongly opposed to the Victorian Government's skills reforms. You can help: Why we oppose these reforms:From IT to building and engineering to nursing and childcare - students dreaming of a career will be hit by these reforms. On the Government's own figures, it will shift the burden of course fees to students, cutting its share of funding for diploma courses from 88% to 60%. Private competition means many TAFE courses are likely to close. Choice will be cut. In a recession, TAFE is vital to our economy. Almost 250,000 Victorians enrol each year - it's a lifeline for many and a ladder into work and university for others. But Victoria's poorest will be hardest hit by these changes. If these changes succeed for diplomas, they will be spread to all TAFE courses, from basic skills to apprenticeships and training. And what happens here today will happen around Australia - these reforms are a testbed for the nation. Keep an eye out for community and campaign events. When we call them, we will need you there. Help keep TAFE FOR ALLTAFE Agreement
The new TAFE Agreement will come into effect on June 17, after the Workplace Authority ruled it passes the No Disadvantage test. Most TAFE teachers will have already received pay rises and back pay. The authority signed off on the agreement on June 10, after staff voted 97% in favour of the deal. Most members received their pay rises and back pay on June 4 - the rest should get them in the June 18 pay packet. The AEU is already running a program of activities to support sub-branches in implementing the agreement, and help members to unlock the benefits that the agreement contains. An implementation guide will be published, and workshops and training seminars held across the state to explain the provisions in the deal and how members can access their new rights. This agreement delivers:
All this comes with no increase in teaching hours or attendance and no loss of holidays. Teachers at the top of the scale will get a $17,000 pay rise over three years, closing the gap with school teachers from $13,000 to just $2,400. The agreement also takes action to address the unacceptably high levels of casualisation. Find out moreThe AEU launched its fight for a fair deal in TAFE in March 2007 and has fought a vigorous campaign in TAFE institutes and in the community with two statewide 24-hour stopworks, rolling local four-hour stopworks, rallies, posters, strong media coverage and a major recruitment drive. Congratulations to TAFE members for your outstanding support, which has proved the key to success in the campaign to stop the TAFE rip off. A New Agreement for SSOs
SSOs have a new agreement at last! After months of negotiations and overwhelming support in ballots of AEU SSO members and all SSO staff, the agreement was approved by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission on 9 December. Implementing the new agreementThe focus will now switch to putting the new agreement into practice. The AEU is putting on a full range of activities and support to help members get the most out of the agreement.AEU Implementation Guide and FAQsThe AEU Implementation Guide has been sent to every ES member and every school sub-branch rep. It includes the full text of the agreement, the new Dimensions of Work, and advice on putting key aspects into practice. Members should also check our page of Frequently Asked Questions.
Implementation meetingsOur main implementation briefings will take place at our regular AEU regional meetings, because it's important that teaching and ES staff work together to realise the benefits of the agreement. ES members and AEU reps are encouraged to attend their local meeting - it would great if members could organise a contingent from each school.Training and further supportA full program of AEU training courses and forums throughout this year will focus on the new agreement, to help members develop their understanding and gain the full benefits. They include one and two-day AEU Active courses, twilight sessions and forums.AEU organisers are also keen to visit schools to run sessions on implementing the agreement. To arrange a visit, simply email Julie Lynch. What the new agreement meansAll this is testament to the solid support and hard work SSOs have done in campaigning for a fair deal. The agreement is a “varied and extended” 2004 SSO Agreement, but contains significant new features. Read more about the agreementDownloads Details Thanks for your support!Negotiations were stalling until the AEU tapped the power of its membership with a public petition and email campaign. Members are to be congratulated for their support, and your efforts have been rewarded.Public Education For Our Future
Public schools have a vital role in ensuring every child gets a high quality education. But they are under-resourced. Teachers and parents are joining together to convince the Federal Government to invest more in our public schools. Australia’s public schools are among the best in the world. They deliver high quality education to millions of students every day. Seventy per cent of the nation’s children attend a public school, yet they receive only a third of Federal Government funding. That is why the Australian Education Union has launched a new national campaign, Public Education For Our Future. We are calling on teachers and parents to join together to get more federal funding for public schools. Public education is at a critical juncture. Right now funding discussions between the Federal, state and territory governments are underway to decide how public schools are funded. The Federal Government is in discussions with the state and territory governments about the development of a new National Education Agreement. We need your support now to make sure the new National Education Agreement delivers more funds for public schools, including the development of new targeted programs to address issues of disadvantage and quality teaching. Join the campaign and find out more by visiting www.forourfuture.org.au. Make your voice heard by emailing the Prime Minister and getting involved with local activities at your school. Together, the parents and teachers of 2.2 million Australian public school students can make a difference. |
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