Students and teachers lead climate fight
In May, we saw the inspirational student strikes for climate in Australia. But there were significant events worldwide. From Teachers for Climate in the Netherlands to Townsville's weather stations project, our round-up brings you some of the most intriguing current environmental global initiatives.
The kids are alright: School Strikes 4 Climate
IEU General Secretary and Trades Hall President Deb James made a keynote speech at this event, marvelling at the clever, passionate, highly organised students leading the fight for sustainable development.
Face to face with new reps
Meet the newest cohort of IEU Reps, idealistic and enthusiastic teachers keen to learn new skills to improve conditions for colleagues.
Are you negotiating an EBA in your school? Check out our Better Bargaining Workshop
Help build union power and influence in a school before we commence EBA negotiations so that we can win more for members.
New Victorian legislation protecting schools from persons posing risk of harm
Learn about the upcoming School Community Safety Orders, intended to counter violent or aggressive behaviour on school sites from people including parents and guardians.
Insecure work in Catholic schools
There is still an unacceptably high level of Fixed-Term Contract (FTC) use in our schools. Often, a simple conversation is all that is required to get illegitimate fixed-term contracts converted to ongoing contracts.
Principals unite to tackle mental health crisis
Australia’s major principals’ associations have announced a 9,000-strong coalition to tackle soaring workloads, worsening mental health issues and increased incidences of bullying, violence, and harassment.
From the Herald Sun: Federal government pulls cringeworthy milkshake consent video
The IEU's Deb James said the schools sexual consent materials were 'well-intentioned, but they just don’t hit the mark'.
From Sky News: Teachers pushing for more leave
More than 25,000 Catholic school teachers in Victoria have demanded a push for more leave, smaller classes and less teaching time.
From The Age: Catholic teachers call for better deal
The IEU says the reduction in employers in the Catholic school system ought to give teachers and staff the ability to bargain collectively and take protected industrial action in the event of a dispute - a right previously denied them.
Teaching on Country
IEU member Cameron Madden is a proud Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba man who grew up in Waddawurung Country, which is also where he works as the Koori Educator at St. Joseph’s Flexible Learning Centre.
Getting Organised!
The IEU has employed an organiser part-time to help us visit English Language Colleges, recruit new members and create networks to build our capacity to improve wages and entitlements in ELICOS.
ELICOS Teachers Fired Up
A large group of ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) teachers from 13 different English Language Colleges joined reps at Victorian Council on 10 August.
ELICOS Teachers Doing The Hard Yards
Every year about 1.3 million people travel to an English-speaking country to learn English and the global industry is worth over 12 billion dollars. Australia is ranked third as a destination, with its share of the market estimated at 15%. Victoria has a 32% share of Australia’s international student enrolments. For those English language teachers working in the sector however, the industry is a tough one.
Significant Vote At Kaplan
At Kaplan International English, where we have been in negotiations for the last 6 months, IEU delegates will be recommending that teachers vote up the latest version of our Enterprise Agreement.
KAPLAN Collaboration
Following a refusal to commence negotiations on an EBA by their employer, IEU members at Kaplan International English School Melbourne have begun the process of putting together a petition in support of an application by the Union for a Majority Support Determination at the Fair Work Commission.