Safety First-IEU Seminar Series; Monday, 6th September 2010; Penrith NSW; 8:30am - 3:30pm. read more

Women in Education Committee Meeting; Thursday, 9th September 2010; Armidale NSW; 4:30pm - 6:30pm. read more

Parramatta Principals' Meeting; Thursday, 9th September 2010; Rooty Hill NSW; 7:30 - 8:45 am. read more

Safety First; Friday, 10th September 2010; Ballina NSW; 8:30am - 3:30pm. read more

Principals Branch Meeting; Saturday, 11th September 2010; Parramatta IEU Office; 10:00 am. read more

Principals' Breakfast Meeting - Sydney Eastern Region; Tuesday, 21st September 2010; Daceyville NSW; 7:30 - 8:45 am. read more

2010 IEU Race Day; Wednesday, 29th September 2010; Canterbury NSW; 12:30pm - 5:00 pm. read more

Faxstream: NSW Catholic Systemic Schools

Two Hour Stop Work On Thursday 5 February 2009

Dear IEU Reps and Members

The IEU is calling a two-hour stop work for the first two hours of Thursday 5 February after Catholic employers refused to immediately match a Government sector pay rise.

At stop work meetings on 2 December 2008 IEU members voted on a program of industrial action over teachers’ salaries and conditions in Catholic systemic schools. Just before the close of school the action was deferred on the basis of a likely settlement in Government schools or agreement by the Catholic employers to an interim payment of 4%.

However, Catholic employers have taken the unprecedented position of refusing to immediately match the payments already agreed in the Government sector. Instead they have advised that there will be no further payments until there is “a comprehensive settlement, ie the resolution of all claims in relation to wages and conditions”. As the only block to achieving a “comprehensive settlement” is employers’ refusal to negotiate in good faith over the past six months, this new position can only be seen as an attempt to force the Union to drop our long-standing conditions claim. This would make it all but impossible for the Union to seek arbitration on any matter including primary release from face to face.

Member action required

Reps are asked to put the previously circulated motion to meetings this week, adding: “(this meeting) supports the industrial campaign including the planned stop work action and calls on the Union to organise a one day stoppage if the major issues remain unresolved.”

In preparation for the stop work, there should be sufficient notice for the system to deal with issues of pupil attendance and supervision. On 5 February no meetings need occur, so we ask members to commence their day’s work at 10:30am. If issues remain unresolved, a one day stoppage will be called for later in February at a date to be determined.

A reasonable claim

As indicated in earlier mail-outs, the IEU has provided the Catholic employers with every opportunity to settle outstanding matters and has suggested appropriate phase-in arrangements for any condition with significant cost implications. Many elements of the claim are cost neutral, including the two additional professional development days already contained in the DET settlement. Other elements of the claim cement guarantees for existing conditions (eg release for New Scheme teachers and their mentors).

It would be unfair and unreasonable for the IEU to abandon all award improvements for three years. The IEU referred some of the major unresolved matters to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission this morning to seek assistance with conciliation.

The IEU remains willing to meet with the Catholic employers over the next few days in the hope that these issues can be resolved. We will keep you informed of any progress or developments and thank you for supporting this important campaign.

Yours sincerely

GLORIA TAYLOR
Acting General Secretary