2020

“Australian workers know the value of standing together, and this is more important than ever during this time of national crisis.

With the season’s first cyclone having formed off the North-West coast, businesses throughout the State have been reminded to ensure that contingency plans have been established and are in operation.

Australia is reeling as firefighters battle relentless blazes around the nation. Here’s how to help those affected by the devastation.

Women need more super to achieve a dignified and independent retirement. The Superannuation Guarantee for women must increase to 15% at an accelerated rate.

The Rainbow Knowledge research project aims to understand and promote the social and emotional wellbeing and mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQA+ young people, and work with local services to help them understand your needs.

​To mark International Women's Day, UnionsWA is holding a rally on Friday 6 of March from 5:15pm.

Bushfire smoke contains a mixture of gases and very fine particles that can be hazardous to health. Those most at risk are firefighters and outdoor workers.

From the Minister for Education and Training, Sue Ellery: We are in extraordinary and challenging times and things are changing rapidly. As teachers and school staff, you play a significant role, with responsibility for more than 317,000 students across 818 public schools in WA.

AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe and heads of the Australian Education Union branches nation-wide have signed a joint letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison regarding COVID-19.

The SSTUWA is seeking urgent discussions around the following issues for Term 2, 2020. These positions are provided on a “without prejudice” basis, given the rapidly changing information and circumstances.

Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan will meet with the leadership of the Australian Education Union (AEU) on Tuesday 24th March 2020. The meeting is agreed following the concerns expressed by the AEU in a letter to the Prime Minister on Thursday 19th March, 2020.

Results of the COVID-19 member survey

The State School Teachers’ Union of WA said a new survey of members found there are encouraging signs that COVID-19 precautions are being managed in schools, but some areas need attention before student numbers increase.

Last night’s statement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison has caused major confusion for principals, teachers, education support staff and parents. Australian Education Union (AEU) Federal President Correna Haythorpe called on all governments to have consistency with the decisions that are being made for schools, preschools and TAFE.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) falls on 17 May. IDAHOBIT was started in 2004 to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination and harassment experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics (LGBTIQ).

President Pat Byrne on why school students should stay at home, published in The West Australian on 25 March 2020.

Education is both an individual and collective right. It gives every person an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for a meaningful life. It is also a nation’s most precious tool to achieve economic growth, social progress and democratic development.

The State School Teachers’ Union of WA said while it welcomed the State Government’s decision to introduce pupil free days in WA schools, they should be implemented earlier.

Restoration of the billions of dollars of funding cut from TAFE over the past decade must be at the heart of any Commonwealth response to the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector post-COVID-19.

The State School Teachers' Union of Western Australia has welcomed the McGowan Government’s massive investment in school and TAFE infrastructure as a recognition of the crucial role education will play in rebuilding Western Australia’s economy.

The SSTUWA has written to the Minister for Education raising a number of issues including calling for pupil free days to start next week, high risk employees to be allowed to work from home, hospital standard cleans of all schools and TAFEs during the holidays, a guarantee of sufficient hygiene products for schools and TAFEs, support services for pupils learning at home, guarantees on pay and leave and realignment of classrooms to meet social distancing requirements. You can see the full letter here.

UnionsWA, in collaboration with key public sector unions in WA and community supporters has today launched a new “The Public Good” campaign. It will have a major focus on promoting the important role of public services and the public sector workforce leading up to and beyond the 2021 WA state election.

The AEU has won significant commitments that enhance our members’ safety and working conditions across the country following intensive lobbying and negotiations with federal, state and territory governments.

The State School Teachers’ Union said today’s state budget contained some very welcome announcements, but more needed to be done for the state school system.

Every state election presents an opportunity for the SSTUWA to influence the public education agenda for the benefit of our members working in public schools across the state. It is also an opportunity to generate positive change for public school students, staff and the sector generally.

Join experts live to discuss the inequality in Australia's public education funding system, what it means for teachers, parents, students and Australia, and get your questions answered.