History has taught us that everything we have gained has been commensurate to our strength on the ground says Federation President Angelo Gavrielatos.
“As we grow our membership we grow our power and our capacity to articulate the needs and aspirations of the profession,” he said.
Project Officer (Recruitment and Activism) Nancy Penfold said: “The more voices you have, the more you can achieve for staff wellbeing and student outcomes.” Nancy is Inner City TA’s Aboriginal Contact and New Activist Contact and member of the LGBTIQ Special Interest Group.
The vibe in a school equates with the level of union membership, said Sierra Classen, who is also a Project Officer (Recruitment and Activism). “The workplace culture will be better when membership is strong.” Sierra is Women’s Contact at Darlington Public School.
“The collective voice creates waves and makes a difference for the better,” said Project Officer (Recruitment and Activism) Rubee McManus. “The more Federation members there are, the stronger Federation’s voice will be in conversations about pressing issues at the local, state, federal and international levels.” Rubee is a member of Moree Teachers Association and Federation’s LGBTIQ Special Interest Group.
Project Officer (Recruitment and Activism) Julia Chaffey said greater union density improves Federation’s capacity to achieve improved conditions that will benefit students. Julia is Councillor, Treasurer and Special Education Contact for Inverell TA.
Membership and Training Officer Guy McDermott said all members have a responsibility to grow the strength, size and density of their union, including by recruiting new members. He suggests that when you talk to a potential member you explain why you are a member and draw a connection between your values as a teacher and your aspirations for public education to Federation’s priorities.
Teachers can join at www.nswtf.org.au/join.
Kerri Carr is a staff writer