Are all these meetings really necessary?

By Joan Lemaire and Bob Lipscombe

It's time to take a stand on the number of meetings held at schools and colleges.

Teachers frequently complain to Federation about the number and relevance of meetings they are expected to attend in their schools and colleges. While regular staff meetings of a reasonable length and frequency are necessary for the smooth functioning of any school or college, the impression is often given that attendance at many other meetings held in workplaces is mandatory when it is not. It is time for teachers to exercise their professional judgement when deciding whether or not to attend these meetings.

Excessive teacher workload is both a professional and industrial issue. As part of the Federation's campaign to address excessive teacher workload in schools and TAFE colleges Federation calls on members to discuss, before the end of year, the frequency, relevance of and time spent in meetings on a range of matters in their workplace, and whether or not some meetings should be held at all. Of course, when making decisions about meetings in your workplace, members should keep in mind Federation advice recently distributed to all Federation Representatives concerning a teacher's right to an uninterrupted lunch and other reasonable breaks.

Apart from workload issues associated with regular meetings in schools and TAFE colleges, of growing concern is the significant amount of time members are expected to take to address occupational health and safety (OH&S) issues. In particular, they are often asked to facilitate risk assessments and to develop risk management plans related to student violence. These issues are frequently complex and require considerable consultation. This is especially so when it is proposed to enrol a student with a history of violence or following the suspension of a student for a violent incident. In circumstances where necessary additional time or support is not provided to teachers to assist with these, Federation authorises members, in consultation with their Federation Representative and Federation Organiser, to decline to participate. If the risk assessment proceeds without appropriate consultation the Federation Representative should contact their Organiser. It is essential that members who are placed at risk are given the time and opportunity to be consulted about the level of risk and the appropriate control measures.

Similarly, where OH&S committees are asked to undertake a range of activities without appropriate release, then Federation authorises members, in consultation with their Federation Representative and the Federation Organiser, to decline to undertake the activity until appropriate release is provided.

Where difficulties arise in addressing this issue, Federation Representatives should contact their Organiser for assistance.

Joan Lemaire is an Industrial Officer and Bob Lipscombe is the Senior Vice President.

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November 2007 contents