Catholic Branch Reps Briefing
Call to attend after school AEU Rallies
5 May 2008


The 2006 Catholic EA, for very real reasons relating to the impending Workchoices, was rolled over with no opportunity to refine the teacher workload clauses or to negotiate salary increases. DECS salary parity was the convenient benchmark, but to use this comes with a moral obligation to support the struggle of our AEU colleagues as they negotiate for a reasonable outcome.

The AEU struggle is OUR struggle.

Our AEU colleagues are negotiating for not only proper salary levels but also a range of issues concerning the ability of the profession to deliver outcomes expected of the nation’s school systems. The government has offered 9.75% over 3 years and the AEU has rejected this – as you would with inflation running far ahead of the 3.25% pa offer.

All Catholic Branch Reps are asked to organise a visible presence at the nearest rally. Venues will be forwarded when known.

Wednesday May 14, 4.30pm: Pt Lincoln, Pt Augusta & Mt Gambier

Thursday May 15, 4.30pm: Whyalla, Pt Pirie & Berri

Friday May 16, 4.30pm: Parliament House, Adelaide

The object is to send a message to the government that they need to set decent benchmarks for schools in SA. Even without direct pay parity, the system which educates 2 out of every 3 students has an impact on benchmark salaries and conditions and significantly impacts the level of funding that non-government schools receive. Non-government school funding is tied to the AGSRC – the Australian Government School Recurrent Cost. Increased expenditure in the government sector will flow to non-government schools after a short time lag.

These rallies are after school. They will not impact the students, parents or our schools. The inconvenience to members is a small price to pay. We need to have a visible presence. We need to be seen as lending non-government school support to this profession wide cause - hence the call to display signs at the rallies identifying your school. The school name may be sufficient but it is appropriate to use slogans such as

* “St Josephs IEU Branch supports DECS colleagues” or
* “St Mary’s IEU Branch – fair deal for the profession”

The IEU in Victoria held a massive protest day of action and WA is making similar calls for support for the government school outcome there. The next EdU will feature a picture spread of our members at the rallies. I need pictures of people & signs & activity.

Please contact me if you have any questions (or pictures). In any event I need to know

* How many members will attend the rally

* What slogans/signs will be displayed

Feedback from AEU members at rallies will be interesting & I need your pictures & stories.
 

Glen Seidel, Secretary, gseidel@ieusa.org.au