School bans in place

by Jennifer Leete

Federation Representatives in all schools have been sent details of bans in place from day 1, term 1, 2004 as part of Federation's salaries campaign.

Each of these bans has a rationale behind it which is grounded in the approach taken by the Department of Education and Training (DET) and the Government to the salaries matter in the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC). This includes attacks on teachers and their work through DET evidence and DET written and oral submissions to the IRC as well as cross-examination of Federation witnesses by DET lawyers.

The DET's approach was outlined in extensive reports in Education and on Federation's website during term 4, 2003. In summary, DET sought to downplay and understate the nature of the changes to curriculum, assessment and reporting, workload and school and teacher accountability that have occurred since 1991. In addition, DET argued that the work value increases resulting from major changes such as the HSC, annual school reports and expansion of statewide testing programs, had already been "paid for" with salary increases that have been awarded. Whilst of course, Federation's evidence and submissions challenged these arguments strongly, if the IRC was to accept DET's version, the result could be a salaries judgement far lower than that necessary to properly recognise and value the changes in teachers' work.

Federation's Senior Officers are currently in negotiation with the DET in an effort to have the IRC record appropriately corrected. In the meantime it is vital that members adhere to the bans.

It must also be remembered that teachers covered by minor awards such as Corrective Services; AMES; Board of Studies; HSC and School Certificate markers and Saturday School have not received the 5.5 per cent increase from January 1, 2004 awarded to teachers covered by the major award.

Federation Executive has determined that the following bans remain in place pending negotiation and agreement with the Department about assessment and reporting in light of the significant recommendations in the Eltis Report (Time to Teach: Time to Learn) and the meaning of previous consent awards.

These bans were endorsed by Federation members at Sky Channel meetings held on December 2, 2003.

Federation's Council meeting on February 14 was due to hear a report about negotiations with the DET and review this matter. Further advice will be sent to schools if required.

Further advice and assistance in implementing the bans can be obtained by contacting your Federation Organiser.

Jennifer Leete is the Deputy President.

Eight bans to hold in schools

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Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005