CPSU represents Education Support Staff throughout Victoria and Australia and recently the union has been consulting with our Workplace Representatives on what we can do to increase the ES voice.  Many members have told us that since the Schools Agreement was finalised in early 2013 they feel that the focus has been firmly on teachers and principals.

CPSU represents Education Support Staff throughout Victoria and Australia and recently the union has been consulting with our Workplace Representatives on what we can do to increase the ES voice.  Many members have told us that since the Schools Agreement was finalised in early 2013 they feel that the focus has been firmly on teachers and principals.  Members have felt that ES staff have been an afterthought and have little or no voice.  Members have also told us that the Schools Agreement is confusing and difficult to interpret.  CPSU believes this must change, and the opportunity arises now as the Schools Agreement will be re-negotiated in 2016. 

Take our ES Staff Schools Agreement Survey.

CPSU has been informed by DET that they wish to commence negotiations in Term 1 next year for a new Agreement and as a first step, CPSU is running this survey to establish the key issues our members want addressed in the upcoming negotiations. The survey will only take about 15 minutes to complete and the Union will use the results of this survey, as well as a series of metropolitan and regional meetings, to formulate our Claims, which we will formally present to DET in Term 1.  This survey is being run to benefit members however non-members are encouraged to complete the survey also and consider joining CPSU to ensure your voice is heard.

Following our discussions with Workplace Representatives, and to ensure the union is able to increase the voice of our ES members, CPSU is also implementing the following initiatives:

Appointment of a new Education Support Industrial Organiser

CPSU has recently appointed Tracey Spiel as our new ES Industrial Organiser.  Tracey was a Laboratory Coordinator at Kingswood College for 22 years and her time included the role of Workplace Representative for the Independent Education Union.  Tracey is passionate about Education Support Staff and looks forward to working with you and all our members to promote our ES voice.

Establishment of an Education Support Branch

CPSU established the Business Manager Branch back in 2013 however many of our members from other ES professions have requested that this be broadened to include all ES professions.  The union has listened and is now establishing an Education Support Branch.  The purpose of this Branch will be to provide a dedicated focus on the issues affecting our ES members.  The Branch will be administered by an elected Executive of ES members, like you.  If you are interested in being involved and would like further information then please email Tracey Spiel at educationsupport@cpsuvic.org

Replace our National Recognition Month with ongoing Listen and Represent

Many members have pointed out that recognition of ES should be ongoing, and not limited to a few morning tea events every August.  Our Workplace Representatives have also told us that this ongoing recognition must focus on the basics of union membership – to be listened to and to be represented.  To this end, the theme for the next 12 months is Listen and Represent.  It embodies the values of CPSU and focuses our attention on the issues and concerns of our ES members.  Listen and Representposters are available educationsupport@cpsuvic.org

Visit all members: Listen and Represent Survey and Forums

Over the coming months Tracey will be in contact with all members to arrange a school visit.  This will provide Tracey with the opportunity to meet with you, listen to your concerns and invite you to complete our Listen and Represent survey and attend a regional/metropolitan forum near you. Please find enclosed a flyer about the survey and also a forum near you.

Reduced Membership fees

Members and Workplace Representatives said that our membership fees needed to be adjusted for the vast majority of ES staff who are low paid.  Accordingly, on July 1^st we implemented a new fee structure which reduced fees to better reflect ES staff salaries.

http://www.cpsuvic.org/memform.pdf

CPSU has recognised that ES staff need further support and this is reflected in the above initiatives.  Over the next 12 months the union will Listen and Represent you.  Our new ES organiser, Tracey, would love to hear from you and get to know you and your situation better.  If you would like to have a chat with Tracey, or for further information about any of the above, please contact her at educationsupport@cpsuvic.orgor phone 9639 1822 or 0435 824 078.

KAREN BATT
CPSU Victorian Branch Secretary / Federal Secretary