By Natalie Blewitt
Growth Team coordinator
 

Membership with the SSTUWA ensures you are never on your own. Members can access information, advice, and support through a variety of sources and teams.

Union representatives

Schools and TAFE campuses across the state have SSTUWA union reps who are the first port of call for assistance. Reps have access to a range of support from union experts and can often resolve local issues on the spot. In many schools, there are also elected deputy reps, women’s contact officers and work health and safety (WHS) reps.

Union reps are encouraged to attend training from the SSTUWA. The training will provide essential knowledge and skills to support reps in their important role of providing union leadership at their worksite. If there is no union rep at your current school or TAFE, speak with other members and form a branch. To find out how, get in contact with the Member Assist Team.

Member Assist

Three full time Member Assist staff are supported by a team of organisers, offering prompt and professional union advice to members. They are just a phone call or email away, providing information when you need it. The team can be contacted via email: memberassist@sstuwa.org.au or by phone: (08) 9210 6060/1800 106 683.

Member Assist is available Monday from 10am - 4.30pm and Tuesday to Friday from 8.30am - 4.30pm.

Organisers

Our team of industrial organisers cover all schools and TAFE colleges, offering support to union reps and members in schools and campuses. The next time your organiser visits your school or campus, introduce yourself and get to know them.

The union also has specialists for leaders, women and equity, TAFE, early childhood educators, new educators and WHS. All specialists provide up-to-date sector specific information to members.

Legal Services case managers

If you have a complex work issue, you may be referred to a case manager. Case managers work with members over a period in matters such as fitness for work and performance management. Our experienced team will give your issue the attention it deserves, working with you every step of the way. With such a close level of support, every member of this team works hard to ensure members receive the best possible outcomes.

Legal Services advocates

Our advocates specialise in advice and representation when formal proceedings may be required. Our advocates appear in the courts and in tribunals for the SSTUWA. This can be on issues for individual members, or cases which represent the interest of the membership. If necessary, the union’s Legal Services Team will refer you to you lawyers, Slater and Gordon, Tehan Legal or Eureka Lawyers, for legal advice.

Growth Team

New to the teaching profession? The SSTUWA Growth Team has all the information and support you need to make it through those difficult early years of your career. This team also attends graduate modules and visits schools and universities, so keep an eye out for them. They can be contacted at neweducator@sstuwa.org.au or you can connect with them on Facebook.

The New Educator Network Facebook group (New Educator Network – WA) offers an environment where you can talk to people who have been through, or are having, the same experiences as you. 

Education and Training Centre

The SSTUWA Education and Training Centre (ETC) is committed to providing high quality learning opportunities for educators at all stages of their career. All courses on offer through the ETC are developed and delivered by highly skilled, passionate and experienced educators.

Whether you are a new graduate, an early career teacher, experienced teacher, aspiring leader, school leader or TAFE lecturer, you will find relevant, collaborative and empowering learning opportunities. Head over to sstuwa.org.au/training to find out more.

Members in schools and TAFE colleges are eligible for five days of paid leave per year to attend Trade Union Training (TUT). Make use of your TUT leave to build your knowledge, skills and understanding of your union.

As a member of the SSTUWA, you belong to the only organisation recognised to represent the industrial and professional interests of educators in WA public schools and TAFE. We really do have you covered with information, advice and support when you need it.