Member focus moves to the salaries claim
By Maree O’Halloran
A strong and concerted campaign is needed to uplift the status and salary of the whole teaching profession.
Members will receive their next salary increase in January 2008. This is the final increase contained in the current award for most members. In addition, from July 2008 assistant principals and PP6s will be restructured to the same salary level as head teachers. Deputy principals (primary) and PP5s will be restructured to the same salary as deputy principals (secondary).
Federation puts the NSW Government on notice that a new award must be negotiated and in place before the end of the current award on December 31, 2008.
Costa's wages cut
NSW Treasurer Michael Costa has proposed a 2.5 per cent "maintenance" increase for public sector salaries from Treasury. According to Mr Costa, any additional percentage increase will be funded by "productivity". This means "trade offs" or cuts to services. Federation rejects the "Costa wage cut" and calls for full funding of the next salaries settlement.
NSW public sector
The Rail Tram and Bus Industry Union has settled its salaries claim for NSW public sector bus drivers. The drivers achieved four per cent per annum for a two year award. That settlement was based on 2.5 per cent funding from Treasury and a number of agreed changes to enhance productivity.
The NSW Nurses Association and the Public Service Association have awards ending in June 2008 and will begin their negotiations with government in the near future.
Politicians
NSW Members of Parliament received a 6.7 per cent increase for one year in 2007. This was awarded by the Statutory Remuneration Tribunal without "productivity" changes.
Victorian teachers
Victorian Australian Education Union members have commenced industrial action in support of their salaries claim. Their current agreement expired in September 2007 and they took 24 hour strike action on November 21.
In January 2008 teachers in Victoria on the top of the common incremental scale will be receiving over $10,000 per annum less than their counterparts in NSW. Victorian teachers have felt the savage effects of first the Kennett Coalition Government and now an intransigent Victorian Labor government. They are also operating under federal WorkChoices legislation.
Membership consultation
Federation asks members to be involved and return the surveys which you will receive in early term 1, 2008 about Federation's salaries and superannuation claim. It is important that we uplift the status and salary of the whole teaching profession. Achieving this goal will require a strong and concerted campaign. Members must stand ready for industrial action if necessary in 2008.
Maree O'Halloran is President.
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November 2007 contents
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