Our big week in the south
The IEU was particularly active in Tasmania this week, endorsing the Catholic sector Log of Claims and providing training for Independent and Catholic Reps.
On Thursday 5 March, 15 elected Reps and Assistant Reps from across Tasmania attended a full-day grievance-handling session in Hobart. The training strengthened their skills through practical scenarios, role-plays, and guidance on natural justice, worker rights, and managing issues before they escalate.
Seth Antcliff, from St James Catholic College, Cygnet, said, “Reps all sharing why we joined the union and how this is linked to our core values was inspiring.” He particularly valued practicing interview techniques and sharing ideas about debriefing scenarios.
Michael Dobber, from Guilford Young College, Hobart, highlighted the importance of sharing experiences and expertise from “a wide variety of schools and contexts.”
“A key aspect of good training is these sorts of lateral connections and exchanges. Many of us are full of passion for industrial justice and a spirit of derring-do but need the legal and procedural knowledge to be ‘full spectrum IEU Reps.’
“The day was excellent at imparting both technical detail and practical skills that will make us effective and professional support and advocates in our workplaces. Thanks IEU. Solidarity forever!”
On Friday, Independent Reps refreshed their specialised bargaining skills and reviewed the Tasmanian industrial landscape.
Tasmanian Catholic Log of Claims
At the Tasmanian Joint Council on 6 March, the IEU’s Log of Claims for Catholic schools was endorsed unanimously by Reps following lengthy discussions and some key amendments.
Reps called for stronger flexible work rights, including the ability to work from home, caps on practical class sizes, clearer definitions, and better support for teachers of students with complex needs, composite classes, or multiple subjects.
Reps from 20 sub-branches amended the language of many claims to ensure members’ intentions were accurately captured and strengthened for the bargaining.
General Secretary David Brear and Deputy General Secretary Kylie Busk outlined the key issues for upcoming negotiations and explained the impact of AEU work bans in response to the state government’s wage proposal and broader public sector industrial action.
