AEU Joint Primary and Secondary Council resolution on Schools Agreement negotiations, February 2017: Monitor ongoing negotiations and finalise application to Fair Work Commission for protected action ballot.
The AEU Joint Primary and Secondary Sector Council note the comprehensive report on the progress of negotiations for an agreement to replace the Victorian Schools Agreement 2013.
Whilst negotiations have continued to be constructive since the December 2016 Council meeting, Council remains extremely concerned that there has been little progress in resolving one of the key concerns of members, namely the excessive and unsustainable workload of school staff.
Joint Primary and Secondary Sector Council notes:
- Negotiations have now been underway for a period of 11 months
- The current VGSA2013 nominally expired on 31 October 2016
- Staff in schools have not received a pay rise since August 2015
- The unsustainable workloads of teachers, principals and ES staff identified in the ACER Workload Survey continue to impact on the health and wellbeing of staff, and their ability to deliver high quality teaching and learning for their students
- The State Government's agenda for Victoria to be 'The Education State', without the necessary resources.
In light of the report, the Joint Primary and Secondary Council authorises the AEU Branch Executive to monitor the ongoing negotiations and immediately prepare and finalise an application to the Fair Work Commission for a protected action ballot.
Further that the AEU Leadership develop a comprehensive political campaign to engage members, parents and broader community.
Moved: Meredith Peace
Seconded: Justin Mullaly