Agreement Negotiations Breakthrough Achieved

Once the proposed agreement is confirmed it will be put to the Joint Primary and Secondary Council on October 24, for consideration. Subject to Council's approval, the agreement will then be put to SSO members for ratification at meetings scheduled around the state. Following this, the Department will conduct a ballot of all SSO employees and if approval is gained, the new agreement will go to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission for approval.

We are working towards getting the required processes completed prior to the end of term four to get pay increases flowing before Christmas. This will obviously be affected by the time taken by AIRC to consider the agreement over which we have little control.

The proposed Agreement is one which SSOs should be pleased with - it enshrines existing conditions, whilst gaining improvements in many areas including significant salary increases.

SSOs and other AEU members are to be congratulated for their involvement in sending emails and signing petitions - your efforts have been rewarded.

Further detailed information will be provided through a newsletter mailed to all AEU SSO members leading up to the AEU ratification process. You will also be able to access information through the AEU website.

MEREDITH PEACE
Vice President - Secondary

KATHRYN LEWIS
SSO Organiser