Last night, on the basis of union members’ campaigning so far, the government indicated that it was prepared to negotiate around its wages policy of 2.5%. On the basis of this movement, public sector unions have agreed to postpone today’s rally outside 1 William Street. For details on the latest wages negotiations, make sure you’re registered to join the Together report-back meeting on Friday – you can register here. Congratulations on putting on the pressure and ensuring movement on wages in 2022!
Wages have become the top issue for union members in 2022. Union members in the public service have an unprecedented opportunity to campaign together to change government wages policy in 2022. At the same time, union members across the country have been campaigning for award wage rises that keep up with the cost of living. This morning the Fair Work Commission determined that workers needed a wage increase of 4.6%, well above the state government's wage policy of 2.5%. The Fair Work Commission has also awarded a flat dollar increase of $40 per work, which is higher than 4.6% and further protects low paid workers. The decision shows that workers cannot afford a wage increase of only 2.5% when prices are rising faster than they have for over two decades. A 2.5% increase for Queensland public sector workers- in line with current government policy - with inflation taking off is a wage cut in real terms. Union members have said that's simply not good enough. Be part of the campaign - register here. With most of the public sector renegotiating their EB agreements this year, there is a real opportunity for the collective strength of union members to change the state government's wages policy. Queensland public sector workers have been able to bargain for wages above their award. They have won these higher rates through their collective power in campaigns. That is why this year workers across the public sector and across unions will be campaigning for fair wage increases with a simple message that wage increases must at least match the increases in the cost of living. Next week, members in Health, Education, TMR and more will be holding virtual meetings across Queensland to kick off the campaign for fairer wages. They will be coming together with members of other public sector unions to call on the state government to change wages policy so public sector workers don't fall behind. Already 1500 members have joined the campaign - will you be part of this change? These meetings will be held in Queensland hospitals, TMR centres, TAFEs, schools and more with a simple message that wages must keep up with cost of living. It's not too late to register to attend a meeting in your workplace. Click here to join the campaign and register to attend.
You should be recognised and celebrated for the essential role you play. We know the world class education Queensland students receive would not happen without you. It’s time to celebrate you! That’s why each year Together promotes School Support Staff Recognition Week. Some members may be celebrating this week! This week was the original date, however, due to the recent COVID outbreaks your ability to gather and celebrate may have been hampered – so we are relaunching School Support Staff Recognition Week for the last week of Term: 13-17 of September, 2021. Change your social media profile picture, download a poster, get together and celebrate! Your work is essential. It’s time to be recognised! During School Support Staff Recognition Week your union delegates will also host some online forums you can join to hear from delegates and members across the state – more on that soon. Another way to celebrate the work that you do is by entering the QSuper SSSRW 'ThankQ' Competition! Nominate your colleagues, have your colleagues nominate you. ThankQ – Enter Now! Thanks to the excellent support of QSuper this year there is also a wonderful competition that you can enter – or nominate a colleague for! This competition is specifically for school support staff. Here are the details: Join in the celebrations for this year’s School Support Staff Recognition Week with a chance to win one of seven prize packs valued at $500 for your school and a $100 voucher for the nominee. To enter, in 25 words or fewer: Share with us a moment when a school support worker made education happen. The competition is open to school support staff within the Queensland Department of Education, and includes Schools Officers, Administration Officers, Science Technicians, School Business Managers or IT Technicians to name a few. Entries close at 11.59pm on Friday, 3 September 2021. Winners will be announced on Monday, 13 September 2021.
