It is not surprising that in these challenging times Federation membership has increased, as teachers realise the value of being a union member. Our active financial membership has grown to more than 61,000, which puts us in a strong position to support and promote your professional and industrial interests. Recruitment of new members continues to be a priority of the union.
It’s been pleasing to see the enthusiastic response to online meetings and webinars. We’ve welcomed the engagement of many members who don’t usually attend Association meetings and union activities.
This engagement helps us to think about what positive changes we can look to build on when we can resume our “usual” meetings and practices. We are all very much looking forward to being able to have members come together, whether at head office for state Council, other meetings and training; or regionally for your local Association meetings.
The election of representatives to our democratic decision-making forums is incredibly important to our union. We had hoped to have the elections for the Branch Council 2021-22 underway by now. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has suspended all elections until 30 September.
We are in contact with the AEC regarding the timing of our elections and hope to have an update for members interested in nominating for Branch Council shortly. Election notices will be published on our website at www.nswtf.org.au/pages/elections.