TAFE matters

by Phil Bradley and Linda Simon

Funding cuts

TAFE institutes received budgets late in 2003. According to the State Government, funds allocated were about the same as previously but it appears that some Institutes are imposing cuts to educational programs of about 10 per cent.

Federation is particularly concerned about cuts to course offerings, amalgamations of faculties, materials charges being made mandatory and the increasing numbers of TAFE courses being offered on a commercial basis.

TAFE is under serious attack in this state. Information provided by members about cuts were useful for our lobbying in Canberra, but more specific information about cuts or increased charges is still needed for our campaign.

To pursue the fees and funding cuts, complete the questionnaire that was emailed to your Fed Rep and return to the TAFE TA Secretary as soon as possible.

Funding for 5.5 per cent interim salary increase

In a letter to Federation dated March 23, Education Minister Dr Refshauge stated: "Funds are provided in the 2003/04 budget to fully meet the Government's commitment arising from the 5.5 per cent interim award to TAFE teachers." However, it later says: "The price of programs funded commercially or through external sources will increase to reflect the 5.5 per cent salary increase."

Therefore, if you are being told that there are funding cuts in your Institute due to the teachers' pay rise, this is not correct. Let the TAFE TA Secretary or your Federation Organiser know as a matter of urgency.

TAFE fees

Campaigning around TAFE fees continues.

At this stage the campaign is focussed on materials charges and the Institute Director's discretion for exemption from fees. Both of these matters need to be clarified and standardised so that students do not continue to be disadvantaged by inconsistent practices across the state.

The issue of capping of fees has been raised with political parties, and Federation hopes there might be a positive national perspective taken on this matter.

TAFE/DET restructure

The TAFE/DET restructure has moved into phase 4, where members have the opportunity to express interest in positions at their grade, if they have not already been directly appointed. Members are concerned at the inconsistency applied to direct appointments. In addition, some phase 8 positions, which include applications for promotion, have been advertised.

As Federation knew from the start, the loss of positions (both educational and administrative/clerical positions) has made some units unworkable and the workloads impossible. These matters will need to be taken up soon. Federation members who are long term temporary employees or who have been acting in positions at a higher grade for some time have been severely disadvantaged.

Professional development framework

Arising from a Government commitment during the NSW election, a professional development framework has been designed for TAFE employees. The framework will set strategic priorities for teachers and other members of staff each year, and a consultative process to establish these. Make sure you are consulted as part of this process.

Staffing agreement

The implementation of the staffing agreement for 2003/2004 has taken place in all Institutes, but some positions are still to be filled. About 140 long term part time casual teachers have gained positions already. Federation continues to monitor the process. A new set of guidelines is being developed for the placement process, to try to ensure that long term part time casuals are regarded as suitable for the advertised positions, and their appointment not blocked by inappropriate criteria.

Promotions positions

Based on the extensive survey carried out in 2003, the promotions position agreement is being reconsidered. Federation is pursuing the issues of reduction of hours supervised, multiples of criteria counted, new additional criteria including commercial courses, TAFE vocational education and training, restaurant and workshop responsibility, changes to bandwidths, consistent annual reviews, and the addressing of anomalies between old and new head teachers. Some of these will be considered arising out of award discussions.

There is general acknowledgement of the heavy workload of head teachers. Now activists have to get something done about it.

Part time casual teachers' pro rata award variation

Final submissions were heard on May 17, 20 and 21. Members now have to wait for what is hopefully a good outcome. Federation thanks all those involved in this case.

ANZAC Day public holiday

Federation is pursuing the issue that neither full time nor part time casual members should be disadvantaged by loss of pay due to TAFE gazetting Monday April 26 (ANZAC Day public holiday) as part of the Easter vacation.

Federal Funding campaign

In this Federal election year it is critical that all members lobby their local Federal Member of Parliament, candidates and Senators for increased funding for TAFE. The Australian Education Union's claim is for an additional $180 million in 2004, an extra $360 million in 2005 and $540 million extra in 2006, to restore growth funds in real terms. This also provides for a Quality Improvements Program, an Education Equity Program and a National Centre for Applied Innovations Research.

Access Economics predicts growth in annual student contact hours of between 2.9 per cent and 5.2 per cent, yet there is no additional money on offer from the Howard Government.

Trade Implementation Workshops/CLAMS/Audits

Federation continues to raise the issues arising from Trade Implementation Workshops conducted across the state last year. Members are reminded of the resolution carried at the December 2003 TAFE TA Executive meeting: "TAFE TA demands that a set minimum number of hours, fully funded, per student be provided on a mandatory basis, with the possibility of increasing that mandatory minimum in cases which require additional resources. A provision of administrative/clerical support should be also included in the HR [human resources] statement. Members should be informed that they should not undertake this work unless it is resourced."

As with all new work in TAFE, whether it relates to apprentices/trainees, Class Management System (CLAMS) or audits, unless you are provided with the time and resources to undertake the work, you should say "no". Excessive workloads are a significant issue in TAFE, and one we must all take a stand on.

Phil Bradley is the Assistant General Secretary (Post School Education) and Linda Simon is the TAFE TA Secretary.

TAFE PTC leave issues clarified

For further information

May 2004 contents