Words of wisdom from the workplace: IEU Reps speak about their roles
Reps at October’s training day at IEU headquarters offered their views on unionism, the issues in their schools and the issues of importance for the union movement.
I’m a union member because …
Membership is how we change the present to improve the future.
It is important to be part of the union and collectively bargain for better work conditions and not just enjoy a free ride. We can only have good conditions through a strong and powerful union.
As a history teacher, I’ve seen the power of collective action in moving not only workers’ rights but human rights into the future for the better.
Of my beliefs in social justice, equity, fairness, respect – union values.
I believe in making teaching a sustainable profession where staff feel supported and never alone.
The union offers support and advice on issues I am not familiar with.
I want to be informed about my rights as a teacher and advocate for higher wages.
Unionism is vital to the continued success of teachers and all workers the rights of whom are being challenged daily. There is strength in unity.
I believe in the power of the collective.
The union is the voice of the workers.
Unions make schools a better place for all.
I believe teachers are invaluable and too often our ‘teacher good will’ is used and abused. The union is like car insurance for my income!
It provides more protection of rights in workplaces.
It matters! Now is not the time to be complacent, together we have the best chance of a sustainable profession!
I think it’s right to stand up for our profession.
It’s important to protect our rights and have power as a group at the bargaining table
Solidarity is strength!
When we work together we can achieve more.
Hardworking people deserve to be valued and treated with respect and dignity.
What are the biggest issues for the members of your sub-branch?
Too much admin and too many pointless meetings.
High workload/many curriculum changes/innovations.
Balancing the new TIL benefits with reality of a school day.
Low wages of educators in Victoria relative to other Australian states and territories.
A fair and reasonable TIL policy, reportable conduct issues.
Equal TIL rights for part-time staff and equal wages to our NSW and QLD colleagues.
Feeling comfortable with expressing concerns or suggestions for improvements at school.
Getting leadership to ‘see’ the concerns of members.
Ensuring members’ voices are heard.
Encouraging members to pursue concerns.
Cost of living pressures and wanting better wage recognition.
Implementation of TIL and 30 + 8.
Raising awareness; boosting numbers; minimising excessive workloads.
Processes around reportable conduct and misconduct.
Workload concerns – face to face hours; creeping tasks or add-ons; parent interactions; non-consultative leadership.
Workload, workload, workload.
What most excites you about your role as a Rep?
Facilitating solidarity and acting as a support for my colleagues.
Helping others make a difference.
Helping other teachers.
Assisting people to get fair conditions.
Being the voice for our members and relaying information to them.
Connecting with my colleagues and feeling that I can help them facilitate change.
Fighting for and supporting other members and potential members in my school.
Being able to support members and be part of protecting our members’ rights and best interests.
Being able to show staff that being a union member is not about being a “thug” but about being someone who genuinely cares about staff and their careers in a respectful way.
Meeting others at training.
Knowing I’m part of a community working to better our industry.
Solidarity.
Seeing the real changes in the school that improve working conditions.
Having the opportunity to bring different staff, their ideas and concerns together to achieve outcomes that benefit everyone.
Building a strong sub-branch and effecting real change.
The ability to support my colleagues to achieve fair and equitable remuneration and benefits for the time, effort and energy they put into their work.
Supporting members to feel more confident and know they’re not on their own.
I love a chat – so that helps!