Short cuts to teacher training are not the answer to teacher shortages
The IEU has significant concerns with the announcement by Curtin University that they will be introducing a one-year graduate diploma in education from next year. Quick fix responses to teacher shortages are short-sighted and threaten the quality and integrity of teacher training. Read details here of these issues raised with the WA government: IEU concerns with Curtin Uni announcement Fast-tracked programs run the risk of sending unprepared teachers into schools [...]
Vale John Quessy.
The IEU and our broader union family is mourning the passing of John Quessy. John dedicated his working life to education and workers' rights with over 30 years service as an IEU Organiser, NSW/ACT Branch President, Federal IEU President and NSW/ACT Branch Secretary. John made an extraordinary contribution to our largest state Branch. He was instrumental in supporting the IEU's development and growth as a key national union during his [...]
Federal resources one part of response needed to reduce classroom disruption
The IEU welcomes the federal government's investment in a range of educational resources aimed at reducing classroom disruptions. Read here about what's needed to ensure effective learning environments for all students in all schools: IEU Speaks on disruptive classrooms Teachers are not solely responsible for addressing student behavior, a long term solution will require significant action by school employers and governments.
Fixed term contract laws start today; Secure jobs essential in education
New federal protections come into operation today (6 December 2023) that limit the misuse of insecure fixed term contracts. The education sector has been plagued by insecure contracts that undermine job security and continuity of student learning. Thousands of employees have been stuck in a cycle of consecutive short term contracts for no good reason. Read here how the new laws will support secure jobs and pay certainty: IEU Speaks [...]
IEU Stands in Solidarity With Iranian Students
Solidarity with Iranian Students ahead of 70th anniversary of Iranian Student Day The IEU condemns the continued repression of students, women, workers and academics in the Iranian education system. Read more here about the human rights abuses in Iranian universities and schools: Solidarity with Iranian Students 70th anniversary 2023 Australian Supporters of Democracy in Iran: https://www.facebook.com/groups/736448369830757/members/
Some progress on gender pay, but most women are still earning less
The 2023 WGEA gender pay scorecard shows progress with the gender pay gap reducing by 1.1% over the last 12 months to 21.7%. However, on average women are still earning less in all industries including in our schools and early childhood centres. Read here about the gender pay gap in education and the urgent work still to be done: IEU Speaks on the gender pay gap
IEU Speaks on the vital role of workplace delegates
Workplace delegates need rights & protections to undertake their vital role IEU delegates Abbey and Eugene will be appearing before today’s Senate inquiry into the Fair Work Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill to share their experiences as workplace representatives and the vital role played by delegates. Read why the Closing Loopholes Bill is needed to support delegates: IEU Speaks on the vital role of workplace delegates Delegates are at the centre [...]
Student teachers deserve to be paid for their teaching practicums
Our next generation of teachers need more support to complete their studies With half of all student teachers failing to finish their teaching degree, we need a major rethink on how our next generation of teachers can be better supported to complete their studies and stay in the teaching profession. One obvious solution is to pay trainee teachers for their practical placements. It’s a no brainer – no one expects to [...]
IEU Speaks on National Priorities to Tackle Teacher Workload
Systemic teacher workload needs an ambitious & comprehensive response IEU members are fighting back against unsustainable workloads and incessant growth of administrative tasks and compliance paperwork. Long-term solutions will require improved conditions won by IEU member campaigns and collective bargaining. But it will also need a national intervention from governments, peak employers & education authorities. Read about our national plan here: IEU Speaks on National Priorities to Tackle Workload We [...]
Happy World Teachers Day Friday, 27 Oct!
The IEU celebrates all our teacher members on World Teachers' Day! Friday, 27 October is a special day for a special group of people. Teaching is the profession on which all other professions rely, so this World Teachers' Day we are taking our hats off to all our amazing teachers. https://worldteachersday.edu.au/ You inspire, you support, you lead and you create the future. Happy World Teachers' Day!
IEU Speaks on support for First Nations People
Our great collective struggles for change are never easy Union members fight for change in their workplaces, industries, professions and communities. Our campaigns often come up against powerful interests determined to block such progress. Sadly, the referendum didn’t deliver First Nations People a Voice. Read here about our union's commitment to First Nations communities: IEU Speaks on our support for First Nations People As educators, we are dedicated to making [...]
Teachers and support staff can no longer afford to live where they work
Widespread staff shortages in schools and early childhood education now faces another major complication - many education workers can no longer afford to live in their local area. Essential workers including teachers and school support staff are being priced out of the housing market. School staffing is already under immense strain, and it's getting worse as a lack of affordable housing forces staff out of their local communities. Read more [...]
IEU speaks on punitive employer responses to industrial action
The federal government needs to close the loophole that allows excessive employer responses to lawful industrial action While recent reforms by the federal government have helped bring some balance back to workplace laws, urgent change is still needed to stop employers intimidating union members. The Fair Work Act allows employers to essentially 'lockout' their staff and deny them a full day of work and pay if they participate in partial [...]
New school initiatives should first satisfy workload impact tests
Teacher Workload Impact Assessments shouldn't be limited to the NSRA Work intensification in schools continues to drive teachers away from a job they love. We need a major employer rethink on workload - without real change teacher recruitment and retention measures will have limited success. The federal government is on the right path in their efforts to develop with unions a teacher workload impact tool to apply to all NSRA [...]
More IEU members to benefit from new bargaining laws
More IEU members to benefit from new bargaining laws Catholic school support staff in Western Australia are the latest IEU members set to benefit from the federal government’s new bargaining laws. The IEU-WA Branch has applied for the first single interest bargaining authorisation to cover multiple employers under new IR laws. Read here about our union’s push for better wages and job security for all education workers: IEU Speaks on [...]
AI must be the servant of teachers and students – not their master
IEU submission highlights key threats and opportunities of AI in education Our schools are places of innovation and creativity where new technologies are embraced to benefit student learning; however, IEU members have identified serious issues to be managed in the use of emerging artificial intelligence (AI) programs in education. Read full details here of how AI can be used safely and effectively for school staff and students: IEU Speaks on [...]
New teachers need greater support in schools, not just in teacher training
Proposed changes to teacher training will better prepare new teachers; however, more support is needed once teachers reach the classroom The reforms proposed to initial teacher education programs contain important changes to how new teachers prepare for a complex and demanding profession. However, these changes are only half the story when it comes to attracting and retaining teachers. New teachers need urgent help to address unsustainable workloads that are forcing [...]
IEU to attend Ministerial meeting seeking targeted support for teachers & students
The IEU welcomes the opportunity to attend this week's Ministerial Reference Group to develop a new National School Reform Agreement (NSRA). The NSRA must provide urgent support for overworked school staff and disadvantaged students. We need a smarter delivery of targeted funding to areas of need. Read here about the reforms sought by our union: IEU Speaks on NSRA Priorities Our nation's schools deserve every resource needed to deliver the [...]
IEU welcomes the appointment of Natalie Previtera as CEO of NGS Super
The IEU welcomes the announcement that Natalie Previtera has been appointed as the new CEO of NGS Super. Natalie Previtera is eminently qualified and experienced to continue the leading role of NGS Super in the non-government education sector. NGS Super plays a vital role protecting the financial future of tens of thousands of IEU members and their families. Read more here: IEU Speaks on appointment of new CEO of NGS [...]
Today’s a game-changer for early childhood education – new bargaining laws underway
Multi-employer bargaining brings hope for early childhood education workers New bargaining laws coming into effect on 6 June 2023 provide a critical opportunity to better recognise and reward the work of thousands of early childhood education workers. A joint multi-employer bargaining application by the IEU, UWU and the AEU will seek to extend the benefits of collective bargaining to a group of essential workers previously frozen out of the system. [...]
Federal budget begins repair of a broken education system
The federal government has begun to deliver on their commitment to repair Australia’s education system. Students, teachers and school staff need the resources and support to ensure equitable and high-quality education in our schools and early childhood education services. Read more here on what the federal budget means for IEU members and our students: IEU Speaks on the Federal Budget Many challenges remain, but our students and school staff deserve [...]
IEU to call for funding certainty & transparency at Ministerial Reference Group
The IEU welcomes the opportunity to participate in the federal government's Ministerial Reference Group as part of reviewing the next National School Reform Agreement. Read details here on the priorities that must be addressed in school funding: IEU Speaks on the National School Reform Agreement All Australian students must have access to high-quality and affordable education. This is our chance to shape a stronger and fairer school system and target funding [...]
Position Vacant at IEU: Research, Advocacy and Policy Officer
The IEU is looking to employ a Research, Advocacy and Policy Officer. This is a full-time position working for the Federal Office of the IEU. While work location is flexible, preference will be provided to applicants based in Canberra. Previous work experience in the education sector is desirable. Details and a copy of the candidate attributes are available here: IEU Vacancy Research Advocacy & Policy Officer A detailed position description, [...]
AEC declaration of results and election report – IEU election E2022/228
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has declared the results of the IEU Officer elections conducted February - March 2023. The IEU federal positions were uncontested. Full details of the AEC election report and declaration of results are here: E2022-228 IEUA - Post Election Report E2022-228 IEUA - Declaration of Results (Uncontested) Congratulations to the various IEU Officers and Federal Executive members.
IEU Speaks on Review of Initial Teacher Education
The federal government's review of initial teacher education must prioritise the support and welfare of our next generation of teachers. Read about the review and the many challenges faced by early career teachers here: IEU Speaks on Review of Initial Teacher Education The IEU will be sharing the insights and experiences of our 75,000 members to help inform the review. It is one of many repairs needed to an education [...]
IEU Speaks on International Women’s Day 2023
International Women's Day on 8 March 2023 will celebrate the achievements of women across the world, while also rallying a call to action on the urgent changes still needed to create a safer and fairer world for women and girls. Read more about IEU members uniting to #EmbraceEquity: IEU Speaks on International Women's Day 2023 The last 12 months have seen significant reforms and greater legal rights for women - [...]
IEU supports the ‘YES’ campaign for a First Nations Voice
This year's referendum to enshrine a First Nations Voice in the Australian Constitution is a historical step towards true reconciliation. The Voice will provide a simple, fair and unifying message - and the IEU is proud to support the 'Yes' campaign launched this week. Read more here: IEU Speaks on A First Nations Voice A First Nations Voice aligns with our core union values of consultation, representation and inclusion. A successful [...]
The voice of IEU members to be heard at Early Years Summit
The IEU welcomes the opportunity to participate in the federal government's Early Years Summit being held at Parliament House on Friday, 17 February 2023. The Summit and Early Years Strategy consultation process is an essential step for early childhood education (ECE) practitioners to share their insights on the current state of early childhood education. Our union represents thousands of ECE teachers and education assistants across the country, they will be [...]
Every IEU member deserves a workplace free from discrimination
The federal government's review of the special discrimination privileges for faith-based schools is long overdue. The IEU welcomes the review and the opportunity for our members to share heartbreaking stories of discrimination they have endured due to sexual orientation, marital status and pregnancy. Such treatment would be unlawful in any other workplace. The special employer exceptions that allow for these situations must end. Read more here: IEU Speaks - Our [...]