u/muhspooks

From today's Reps Bulletin:

"Face-to-face reduction win from last agreement secured

The deed between the AEU and the Department will continue to secure the face-to-face teaching reductions won in the last agreement. The deed will be extended to cover the life of the in-principle VGSA. Our face-to-face maximum teaching will remain the lowest in Australia – two hours per week less than NSW."

I can see why this point might want clarifying given some of the confusion online, but it really feels like it's being touted as a "win" here.

I can't help recalling how all the concerns around those reductions being dealt with in a separate deed back in 2022 were met with assurances that it was "just the way the government wanted to account for things" and that the reductions were safe as houses, wouldn't need to be bargained for again, etc.

Really didn't think I could be any more disappointed with all the spin, but here we are.

>get totally boned by inflation since 2020
>assurances that this agreement will be about pay
>go into negotiations demanding 35% over 3 years
>abc and other media report that we only want 35% over 4 years
>no correction from leadership
>messaging to media that we only want to be paid like they are in other states
>(this is “strategic”)
>funny offer from government – everyone has a good laugh
>24 hour stop work. ~35,000 educators rally. clear public support. a good time had by all
>get ready for rolling half day stop works
>government leaks 28% over 4 years. general outrage from rank and file
>government still somehow bargaining in good faith. suspend stop works
>resolutions pour in: don’t bone us again
>…
>…
>...
>new in-principle agreements drops
>look inside
>28% over 4 years
>no conditions to speak of; still nominally "about pay"

Now is as good a time as any to remind AEU members (especially those who weren't around last time) that if council ends up endorsing an in-principle agreement that isn't good enough, it is *essential* that you *stay on board* and *stay engaged* for the remainder of the process.

Any in-principle agreement will still need to be ratified by rank and file members, and if you quit before the member ballot, you will effectively be voting "yes" by turning your potential "no" vote into *no vote all*.

Quick reminder that nominations are still open for delegates to Branch Conference (they close midday the 20th of May).

If you're worried that any important business relating to the new EBA might still be outstanding by the time conference rolls around, I strongly recommend nominating.