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10 Reasons to vote for Members First |
1. Members First get results.
In 2008, the Members First Executive negotiated the best EBA in 15 years. Teachers and Administrators received close to 22% salary increases over 3 years. These increases have seen teaching become a desirable career once more. They will help restore your standing in the community.
2. Members First will not trade in your conditions.
The Agreement in Principle, negotiated without any input from MF, included 15 hours of PD in your own time. In accordance with State Council resolutions, MF do not and will not trade in your conditions for salary increases. More money for more work is not a salary increase.
3. Members First know how hard it is to teach in 2009.
With the exception of our Senior Vice President who left her job in TAFE two years ago to assume her elected position in the SSTUWA, the MF Team are all currently teaching in schools or TAFE. We know only too well how things have changed. Workload issues affect us as well. We experience the effect of bad behavior on staff morale and health. We will not allow our employer to ignore the wellbeing of teachers. Hurt one, hurt us all. We will not hesitate in enforcing the OSH Laws wherever there is a need.
4. Members First are experienced, professional and determined.
In 2008, MF demonstrated that we would not be intimidated by our employer or a hostile government. We will always negotiate as equal partners. We will demand the respect that our profession deserves and we will ensure the Agreement is followed. It is the school practitioner who always knows what's best for students. We will not compromise the delivery of a quality education out of fear or favour.
5. Members First will not sell DET's policies to you.
MF believe it is our job to represent what you want to our employer and uphold the final agreement. We do not believe it is our role to sell what DET wants to you. We will always allow you to have the final say on offers and policies. We will keep you all well informed, but the final choice is yours.
6. Members First believe in grassroots democratic unionism.
Equal representation, effective communication, information distributed before decisions are made and feedback provided. We will honour resolutions of State Council and make Branch motions a high priority at Executive rather than simply acknowledge their receipt months later.
7. Members First will always remain accessible to members.
MF have always attempted to respond to concerns and inform members of current developments. We discuss issues on the SSTUWA website and maintain personal contact with teachers. We will not distance ourselves from our colleagues if elected and we will listen to your concerns.
8. Members First will always negotiate as equal partners.
MF will not accept second best. We will always negotiate in good faith with integrity and professionalism. There is no need for unnecessary hostility if mutual respect exists.
9. Members First offer the way forward.
It is time for a change. The same group has been at the helm for too long. MF offer a new way of thinking with new and better ideas. The face of unionism is changing right across Australia. The old ways do not work anymore. We need to become organized and refreshed to remain relevant to the future of our Union: new teachers joining the profession. MF will adopt a YOUTH Policy where new teachers are nurtured and trained to take over when we are gone. We want to leave the SSTUWA stronger and better equipped for the future.
10. Members First will use the expertise available to it.
MF will not be afraid to listen to expert advice and act on it. The SSTUWA has a vast array of talent and expertise at its disposal that is under- used. MF will strengthen the advocacy role of its employees and respect their knowledge, wisdom and experience. We will work as one team, not a team of ones.
Any policy is only as strong as the principles underpinning its implementation and the people behind it. Without a framework for policy development and implementation, you can promise the Earth, but you will be unable to deliver. Election promises are only as good as the people making them. MF have stuck firmly to our 2007 platform. In 2009, please support us so we can support you.
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OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE PAST YEAR |
- An Agreement with NO trade offs
- An Agreement with NO extra meetings after school
- An Agreement with no extra PD requirements
- Increased pay on the previous offer
- An Agreement for TAFE teachers which 97% of them voted in favour of
- A team that puts negotiation with teachers first and DET second
- A much improved website which is now accessible to teachers
- A teacher’s toolkit—a curriculum resource for union members that will make their workload easier
- An updated Certified Agreement that 100% of TAFE teachers at Curtin voted in favour of
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