eNews - 16 March 2022

Implementing the Directives to SSTUWA members from the Executive Committee in relation to the 2021 EBA negotiations has seen widespread support in many schools. However, there are always queries around individual issues. So, as negotiations continue following the rejection of the employer's first offer, we've put together a comprehensive guide answering some of the most frequently asked questions.

Answering queries such as: are the directives having an impact? Is professional learning a staff meeting? Should we hold a parent teacher night? The FAQ answers also remind members why the participation of every member is so crucial in getting the agreement members deserve.

You can find the FAQ answers here.

Can you help us deliver Every School Every Child election flyers over the Easter holiday?

We want to raise awareness about how the Morrison Government has gone missing around ensuring public schools are properly and fairly funded.

We can post 200 or 400 flyers for you to deliver in your neighbourhood – click here, fill in your details and we will post them out to you before the school holidays.

The order deadline is noon 23 March.

With just weeks until the Federal Election this is an important time to inform the public of the Morrison Government’s failure and the need for any future government to take action to support public schools.

http://www.everyschooleverychild.org.au/

SSTUWA members are advised that any decision to continue to work, if designated a close contact, is entirely voluntary.

The Department of Education, following health advice, has provided a consent form for administrative purposes, to ensure that staff meet/commit to the critical worker criteria as set out by the Health Department.

This form should not be filled out as a matter of course but only if

• You are a close contact and have been identified as a critical worker *

and

• are willing to attend work.

Despite the severe staffing pressures being experienced by many schools, all staff have a right to expect their workplaces to be safe.

The operating guidelines are clear - “attendance is voluntary, in mutual agreement with the critical worker and their employer.”

In making any decision to attend work, members should consider any personal circumstances which mitigate against doing this. This might include personal health concerns, caring responsibilities, vulnerable family members, etc.

If members who have been identified as close contacts have concerns, they are strongly recommended to take the seven-day pandemic leave option. This provides for a seven-day isolation and testing period after which it is safe to return to work if still symptom free.

Principals should notify the IMT if relief is unavailable. It is the department’s responsibility to provide relief staff in such instances.

We urge all members whether they be teachers or school leaders to support each other in this situation.

You can find the Critical Worker Flowchart and the Critical Worker Fact Sheet here.

Womens’ Contact Officer Training: Level Two Schools and TAFE
2-3 May

Union Representative Training Level One: Schools
23-24 May

Union Representative Training Level One: Schools
27-28 June

Women’s Contact Officer Level One: Schools and TAFE
26-27 May

Union Representative Training Level Two: Schools
16-17 June

A reminder to members that TRBWA fees are due on 31 March 2022. You can pay your annual fee invoice through the 'Finance' tab via Teacher Login on the TRBWA website trb.wa.gov.au. You can also make payment via 'Online Payments' on the TRBWA website, using your registration number and invoice number.