By Natalie Blewitt,
Growth Team coordinator

Throughout history, workers have banded together to build an organisation that empowers them by providing them with a voice, influence and power in the workplace and beyond. This organisation is known as a union.

Unions are an essential part of today’s workplaces. They provide the individual worker with the structures, forums and an organisation that can facilitate their ability to meet, raise issues, debate and develop agreed policies and solutions.

Most importantly, a union provides the avenue for individuals to work together and move these policies and solutions into action. Without a union, we as workers stand alone. With a union, we stand together, empowered.

A union is built on its members. The strength, wisdom and unity of members determine the union’s directions and action.

Know your rights, have your say

The SSTUWA is the only organisation recognised to represent the industrial and professional interests of all educators in WA public schools and TAFEs.

With members’ participation, the union negotiates your salaries, entitlements and conditions and is a strong voice in the workplace and the community.

To fully understand your rights, entitlements and responsibilities, you need to refer to both the General Agreement and the Award.

Both the Agreement and the Award are documents negotiated between the union and the Department of Education and apply to all WA government schools, regardless of whether you work in a local public school or an independent public school.

With an Agreement in Principle ready to be voted on in schools, now more than ever it is so important to be a member with the SSTUWA. Only members can have their say and vote. So, if you want your voice to be counted, then join up today.

Members-only perks

We really do have you covered when you join the SSTUWA. As a member, you will have access to high-quality learning opportunities from our Education and Training Centre; access to advice from our Member Assist Team; one-to-one support from a case manager if required; a free simple will; access to many benefits and discounts and much more.

Not working full-time? Don’t worry, membership subscriptions are based on your work fraction, and we have a small flat rate for our relief teacher members. And remember, all subscriptions, regardless of their category, are tax deductible.

Our Growth Team has all the information and support you need to make it through those difficult early years of your career. This team attends graduate modules and visits schools, so keep an eye out for them. You can also contact them via the New Educator Network, email: neweducator@sstuwa.org.au or connect with them on Facebook (New Educator Network – WA).

Take the time to invest in your career and join the union today. Joining is easy. Visit the SSTUWA website and look for the I want to join button or get in touch with either the Growth Team or the Membership Team.

If you would like to know more, visit sstuwa.org.au – you’ll be amazed at what you will find.