What industrial action could look like in the Tasmanian Catholic campaign
It’s been well over two years, too long for staff in Tasmanian Catholic schools.
The IEU has responded to the frustration of members at the glacial pace of employer bargaining for their new Agreement.
We will shortly be applying for a protected action ballot order (PABO) from the Fair Work Commission. This will enable give IEU members the right to take protected industrial action.
We are continuing to bargain with the employer throughout this period and we have two meetings scheduled next month for 22 August and 26 August, but there is every indication more strenuous action will be required to get this deal done.
The journey so far
Sept 2021 – Tasmanian Catholic Agreement expires
Feb 2022 – IEU submit your log of claims
The TCEO refuses to meet with IEU in person.
Aug 2022 – IEU make an application through the Fair Work Commission for good faith bargaining orders, forcing TCEO to meet to commence negotiations.
Early 2023 – Bargaining becomes more regular, but progress is slow.
Mid 2023 – TCEO submit their own log of claims, including extending the school year and forcible relocation of staff.
Negotiations have continued throughout this year, but they have not progressed to the point where a deal can be made. Throughout this time, the IEU have been meeting with Reps to come up with a plan to keep things moving.
The sticking points
Many of the outstanding claims are simply asking for the same conditions as our colleagues in State Schools!
Employer Claims:
forcible Transfer Policy
spreading Teachers Days of Attendance from across 40 weeks to across 41 weeks
IEU Parity claims:
low income payments
increases to paid parental leave
providing superannuation on unpaid parental leave
removing barriers to salary progression for provisionally registered teachers
reduction in face to face time for primary school teachers
reducing non-teaching face to face duties for secondary school teachers.
What is a protected action ballot order?
In the coming days, the IEU will make an application to the Fair Work Commission to conduct a ballot so members can vote on whether or not they would like to take protected action. If the Fair Work Commission gives permission for the ballot to be conducted, this is called a protected action ballot order (PABO).
We can’t tell you exactly when we’re going to file but as soon as we file, we will let you know!
Watch the PABO video below for an explanation of how a PABO works.
The ballot
If the Fair Work Commission give the IEU permission to conduct the ballot, we will need to provide accurate details of IEU members working in Tasmanian Catholic Schools to the ballot agent. Only the votes of members with up-to-date records will be counted. So it’s VITAL that members check that their member contact details are spot on.
Important information about the ballot
It will be conducted by Confidential and Independent Voting and Surveys (CiVS)
Members will receive instructions via email and text message and will vote online
Votes are confidential and anonymous
A minimum of 50% of IEU members working in Tasmanian Catholic Schools must vote in order for the protected action to be approved by the Fair Work Commission
Of those who vote, more than 50% must vote to take protected action in order for it to be approved by the Fair Work Commission.
Taking protected industrial action
It’s important to remember that just because we can take industrial action, it doesn’t mean we will take industrial action.
However, we are absolutely prepared to take action and are preparing to do so in consultation with IEU members.
What could industrial action look like?
If the Fair Work Commission approve the taking of protected action, we could:
not respond to emails or other electronic communication (other than for student wellbeing or an emergency)
include an approved statement in our email signatures
not attend meetings
not write reports
not perform yard duties
not attend after school events
stop work for anywhere from 10 minutes to up to a whole day (Strike Action).
What can members do?
Recruit to build power!
The #1 reason why people don’t join their union is because they haven’t been asked. We want every single employee working in a Catholic School in Tasmania to be asked to join the union between now and the end of next week. Standing together gives us strength! The best way for you to build the power of your union is to increase the number of members!
Update your details
Make sure your details are up to date. Remind your comrades to do the same. Your details (school, mobile and email) MUST be correct.
You can do all this via Member Access. To log in for the first time, click ‘Forgot Password’ and enter your member number.
Do the survey
In order to gain insights into how the delays in bargaining are impacting IEU members, the IEU are asking for your feedback!
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey below, and share it with your colleagues. The more staff in Tasmanian Catholic Schools who complete this survey, the more data we will have to inform our position and demonstrate to the employer what your priorities are.
Vote YES in the ballot!
Once IEU members vote ‘Yes’ to taking protected action, the Fair Work Commission will give us permission to take action. The IEU will provide three days’ notice to the Employer and then we can take industrial action including work bans and strikes.