Fact Sheet #1
What Is IEU(SA) ???
Independent Education Union (South Australia)
IEU(SA) is a Union of members formed for mutual support and representation both industrially and professionally.
It is the registered Union and professional association representing all employees in non-government schools and private education establishments in South Australia.
The affairs of IEU(SA) are managed by a Council of elected delegates from Branches (which are generally school based) and an elected Executive of twelve members. Members exercise control of the organisation through the election process, the Annual General Meeting and other special meetings as required.
IEU(SA)'s office is located at 213 Currie Street, Adelaide and acts as the base of operation for IEU(SA)'s staff, meetings and member training.
The IEU(SA) Constitution lists the Objects of the Union in some detail, but IEU(SA)'s mission finds practical expression in the following typical areas of activity.
Industrial representation and activity
IEU(SA) is the only union registered to represent non-government school staff in both the SA Industrial Commission and the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.
IEU(SA) assists members through the regulation of wages and conditions in the Teachers & School Assistants Awards as well as through Enterprise Agreements for all employees at the school or system level.
IEU(SA) provides support for individuals and groups of members by providing advice and advocacy in a range of employment related situations from Occupational Health, workplace injury and workplace Consultative Committees to resolution of grievances, disputes and other difficulties.
Industrial advice and support is available from the IEU(SA) industrial officers and/or solicitors as required. If the legal matter is not of an industrial nature, members are still able to access the Union's solicitor for a free initial appointment.
Professional Indemnity Insurance is provided as a free member benefit which provides protection for individual members should the employer or its insurer try to avoid vicarious liability in the event of litigation.
To further its objectives IEU(SA) is affiliated with
- IEU - Independent Education Union of Australia
- EI - Education International
- COPE - Conference of Pacific Educators
- ACTU - Australian Council of Trade Unions
- UTLC - United Trades & Labor Council (SA)
IEU(SA) also has two Trustees on the Non-Government Schools Superannuation Board which is the Industry Superannuation Fund following its merger with ISST (Independent Schools Superannuation Trust) in 2005.
Professional representation and activity
The Union represents its members on key educational and professional bodies, including
- Teachers’ Registration Board
- Advisory Committee for Non-Government Schools
- SSABSA
- Ministerial Advisory Committee on Special Education
- OHS&W Committees of ISB & SACCS
IEU(SA) supports the professional development of members through the provision of educational, professional & industrial training programs and the Association has established a Professional Development Fund to assist members to attend conferences & seminars.
IEU(SA) publishes its own journal "EdU" and circulates the national journals "Independent Education" and "Bedrock".
Communication with members takes various forms. Apart from the journal "EdU" which is mailed to members' homes, the Union either electronically or in hard copy communicates with school branch members with topical newsletters such as "IEU Matters".
IEU(SA) also maintains a website www.ieusa.org.au where information about the Union and its activities can be obtained.
Membership of IEU(SA) not only provides direct benefits and protections to individual members - it also, through the strength of a collective voice, influences professional standards and conditions in the whole of the non-government education sector. IEU(SA) membership is an expression of solidarity with colleagues in a variety of educational settings and provides an essential voice for the profession.
Independent Education Union, South
Australia
213 Currie St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Ph (08) 8410 0122 Fax (08) 8410 0282
www.ieusa.au
The content of this fact sheet was current 9 May 2008