AMES Bulletin: New consultation arrangements

19 March 2010

It was agreed between AMES and the AEU to reform the consultation process. The previous arrangement was agreed to be too cumbersome and would be restructured.

The new arrangement will consist of:

AMES HR - two representatives and others as needed
AEU Central - two or three representatives
AMES Union Members - two with capacity for two deputies.

It was agreed it would meet each term as a scheduled meeting with unlimited capacity to call extraordinary meetings on an as needed basis. Release conditions and replacement arrangements would continue.

Nominations to Bob Parr: please complete the attached form (PDF, 68KB) and fax to Rhonda Webley at the AEU on 1300 658 078 by Friday, April 9, 2010.

Nominations must include:

Nominee's name and signature
Nominator's name and signature
Seconder's name and signature
Position sought, ie delegate, deputy or both.

Issues discussed with AMES

It was agreed AEU Central office and AMES would schedule an implementation meeting after the regular Consultative Committee meeting to ensure appropriate follow ups. The following issues were discussed.

Contract teachers

AMES will write to current contract people whose contract was to expire July 1, to extend those contracts to December 31 where the role was continuing to December 31. This is a result of the extension of the tendering deadline to the end of 2010.

The new career structure process

The AEU reiterated its view that the process was intended to reward continued high quality teaching and professional growth. It should not be onerous and should be accessible by all eligible teachers. Concerns regarding possible quotas or budget restraints were raised. We received the following assurances:

The format will go online
That AMES believed concerns arising from last year's process would diminish with a full year time line and the experience of working in that structure
There are no quotas and no budget constraints
There is a continuing expectation that the vast majority of eligible teachers will comfortably satisfy the standards.

Areas of concern raised:

What constitutes eligibility: AMES continues to maintain that eligibility requires at least half the cycle be actually worked by an eligible teacher. This is not agreed.
There should be "no surprises": That is, any concerns would normally be clear and raised by the middle of the cycle. This is agreed.
People should be encouraged to keep a brief portfolio of supporting evidence as they go: While we agreed ongoing evidence of high quality work is the issue, we continue to put the view that long term performance is appropriate evidence.
Contract teachers and the acquisition of long service leave entitlements: Particular reference was made to the situation where a person is paid for acquired leave after the expiry of the contract period. This is under investigation and report back.

The operation of the PPDR will continue to be monitored with a view to make its impact as benign and positive as possible.

Next meeting of AMES Committee

Thursday May 6, 2010
5.30-7pm
AEU Building
112 Trenerry Crescent, Abbotsford

JO FOGARTY
Vice President, TAP sector

MARK HYDE
Deputy Vice President, TAP Sector

BOB PARR
AEU Organiser