Salaries payment sought

By Dennis Long

Federation is seeking confirmation from Education Minister John Aquilina that payment of the first salary increases, including back pay and the cash payment, will be made to teachers in the August 17 pay.

Teachers in Catholic schools have already received their salary increases and Federation is aware of substantial teacher unease with delays in the payment of agreed salary increases and back payments.

The payments sought are the one off cash payment to cover the period July 1999 to April 3 this year and the four per cent salary increase payable from April 3. These payments are to be made by the determination of Director-General Ken Boston arising from the settlement endorsed by members on June 2.

A Salaries Bulletin was sent to schools and colleges on July 26. Further information will be available on the schools hotline (02) 9217 2300, the TAFE hotline (02) 9217 2301 or on the Federation's website.

Separate to the matter of the payments to be made by the Director-General's determination is the consent award being drafted to commence from January 1, 2001 to provide for the remaining salary increases. The consent award will draw on the 1996 awards in schools and TAFE and will reflect the agreement between the Teachers Federation and the Department of Education and Training. This will mean the amendment of some existing clauses, the inclusion of new clauses where appropriate and the deletion of clauses that are obsolete or have been superseded.

Meetings between the parties are being held and Federation will provide information to schools and colleges on the significance and interpretation of clauses when the award is finalised.

Members are advised that until the consent award is finalised, the current award provisions should continue to apply. The Federation should be notified immediately if there is any dispute about these matters.

Dennis Long is the Editor.

For further information

August 2000 contents