Executive Director’s Update to Principals #10 - 6 March 2023

Enterprise Bargaining Agreement Negotiations Update

At the Diocesan Leadership Gathering on 16 February 2023, I provided an update on the enterprise bargaining negotiations. This information was also shared via an Executive Director’s Update # 6 (17 Feb 2023).

We are aware that the IEU continue to release information about the details of the new Agreement.

I wish to reiterate that we are still in the bargaining process and have not formally reached an in-principle agreement between the employer bargaining group and the IEU for the entire replacement Agreement.

As such, DOBCEL in partnership with MACS, CES Ltd and the CRMV and RI/MPJP governing authorities have not finalised the details or timing for when changes are to take effect.

What is effective now?

In addition to the release of the updated salary tables and application of back pay in Term 4 2022 the employer bargaining team and IEU agreed to the introduction of the following limited, yet significant changes from the start of the 2023 school year:

1. Reduced SCT (that is, 21.5hrs for primary schools and 19.0 for secondary schools in 2023);
2. Introduction of the 30+8 model to organise and regulate a teacher’s working week; and
3. Recording of TIL accrual for school camps.

Regarding 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 more time was required to operationalise the change.

For TIL, there is no need to record TIL on any other school-directed activities at this time or to plan to acquit the TIL until further details are finalised. 

For secondary schools, the reduction of extras to 10 hours in 2023 was also agreed.

Tom Sexton
Executive Director, Catholic Education Ballarat