Executive Director’s Update to Principals #6 - 17 February 2023
Enterprise Bargaining Guidance for Principals
As the IEU has released information about reaching an in-principle agreement for the replacement Catholic Education Multi-Enterprise Agreement (CEMA) principals may have questions from staff about the progress. In some instances, we anticipate principals are also being asked for specific details of new or changed clauses.
CECV, on behalf of the governing bodies are working on brief communication to employees covered by the Agreement.
This communication will simply advise that:
- We have been working to finalise the Agreement in partnership with the IEU.
- Further to the update before school finished last year, discussions between the bargaining team and IEU are now focused on finalising the details of the terms and conditions in the Agreement and implementation plans.
- In addition to the wage increases already passed on to staff we remain committed to delivering an agreement that addresses current workload demands.
- We look forward to providing further updates as we move to finalise the agreement.
What changes are in place from the start of the 2023 school year?
As discussed at the Diocesan Leadership Gathering on 16 February 2023, late in Term 4 2022 the bargaining team and IEU agreed to the introduction of the following limited, yet significant changes from the start of the 2023 school year:
- Reduced SCT (that is, 21.5hrs for primary schools and 19.0 for secondary schools);
- Introduction of the 30+8 model to organise and regulate a teacher’s working week; and
- Record TIL accrual relating to school camps.
In regard to the reduced SCT and the introduction of the 30+8 model this was to be effective from the start of the school year if possible, or by Term 2, 2023 if a little more time was required to operationalize the change.
For TIL, there is no need to record any other TIL on other school-directed activities at this time or to plan to acquit the TIL at this time until further details are finalised.
What do I say if staff are asking for details on other clauses/conditions?
- Discussions between the bargaining team and IEU are now focused on finalising the details of the terms and conditions in the Agreement.
- As this detail is confirmed it will be shared with all staff covered by the CEMA. Including shared communication from CECV and the IEU.
What if the staff member refers to information shared by the IEU?
- Reiterate that discussions between the bargaining team and IEU are now focused on finalising the details of the terms and conditions in the Agreement
- while this is close, it is not yet finalised or effective
- as this detail is confirmed it will be shared with all staff covered by the CEMA.
What support is available for principals for implementation?
Implementation guides are being finalised for these changes and will be shared with principals as soon as possible.
Should principals have questions about these agreed changes for before then please speak with your Education Consultant, or Maree Baker (Manager: Human Resources) or Ange Jones (Assistant Director: People and Development).
We also remind you of the invitation to provide feedback to assist us in designing training and other implementation support for the replacement Agreement.
Click here to access the survey OR via the QR Code:
Please provide your response by Friday, 24 February 2023.
The plan for training and information-sharing will be communicated to schools in the following week.