Workload in plain English

Federation's website offers plain English advice on award clauses relating to workload, reports PHIL BRADLEY.

Members are reminded of the Teachers' award clauses 38 to 42, which specify and limit TAFE attendance and duties. As usual, additional work should not be done unless it is properly supported and resourced, including with teaching release where necessary. It is OK to say "no" to excessive workload. Almost all award clauses have been in place since 1999 and can be accessed on the Federation's website www.nswtf.org.au, however members will first need to apply for a user name and password by clicking on the "Members Area" near the bottom of the left hand column. Once in the Members Only Area, you can access the text of the award under the "Industrial Awards" section by clicking on "Text of Crown Employees (Teachers in Schools and TAFE and Related Employees) Salaries and Conditions Award".

To access important Federation advice on sections of the award, click on "View Annotated Industrial Awards" and then on the Crown Employees Teachers Award. If you click on any of the clauses shown, such as "41: Duties Related to Teaching (TAFE)", the text of this clause and a box titled "View plain English interpretation" will be shown. Clicking on this box will give you valuable Federation advice on this award clause, which should help to reduce your workload.

Other clauses with important Federation TAFE advice are 6, 37, 39, 40 and 43.

The award clause 64, on TAFE Pilot Schemes, is also relevant to reducing workload as the clause requires joint consultation, development, monitoring and agreement with Federation before implementation of new schemes.

All members should regularly access other information on the Federation's website, which includes latest news, quick point and click pro forma e-mails in the campaigns box of the homepage, and welfare advice.

The Australian Education Union's TAFE website www.aeufederal.org.au/Tafe/index2.html is also well worth a visit for information on national TAFE campaigns and funding statistics.

Phil Bradley is the Assistant General Secretary (Post School Education).

Stand united to work reasonable hours for reasonable pay

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