The State School Teachers' Union of WA (SSTUWA) has endorsed an in-principle agreement with the Department of Education. The decision was made by the Executive, who also directed the work bans imposed on 2 March 2018 be lifted as a result.
SSTUWA President Pat Byrne said, while the salary component of the EBA remains unsatisfactory, the Executive was pleased that a significant number of the union’s claims have been achieved in these negotiations.
“In areas where we haven’t achieved everything we asked for, we have made progress, and the Executive is of the view that this is the best outcome achievable at this time,” Ms Byrne said.
“The offer has addressed some of our concerns regarding violence against teachers and principals with an agreement to amend the Keeping Our Workplace Safe document to require compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations to report injuries or harm to the health of employees, have an at-risk management plan for hazards at the workplace including violence, and to identify these hazards by assessing the risk and implementing effective control measures.
“In addition, the Agreement provides a greater capacity for teachers to stay longer in remote teaching locations if they choose, which will ultimately assist with improved stability within communities.
“The proposed Agreement also contains 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave for teachers and principals, in keeping with the government’s commitment for all public sector employees.
“Under this Agreement, schools will also be required to provide greater clarity as to why a position is being offered as a fixed term contract rather than an ongoing one, as well as allowing a greater degree of flexibility in the use of long service leave and improved access to carer’s leave when caring for family members with severe and long term illnesses”, Ms. Byrne said.
School members will now consider the offer, with voting anticipated to take place early in Term 2.
