eNews - 28 July 2022

Wages policy fight continues

As part of the Public Sector Alliance (PSA), the SSTUWA is urging the state government to recognise the pressure its wages policy has put on all public servants as cost of living pressures continue to mount. Alliance unions will be rallying outside Parliament House on 17 August. The SSTUWA will be in attendance. We encourage members on leave, part-time workers and any retired members to join the SSTUWA delegation.

Union reps and branches will be advised about ways to further support the Alliance action from their workplaces.

Rally details here.

Tax statements

SSTUWA members’ 2021/2022 statements of contribution are now available by logging into our website or through our app.

Members have also received statements directly via email.

Don’t have the app? Download it here.

Salary increment and backpay advice

It is anticipated that the 2021 General Agreement salary increase of 2.75 per cent will be reflected in salaries as soon as possible after the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC) formally ratifies the agreement. The agreement has been lodged with the WAIRC and we are currently awaiting advice of a hearing date.

Government and Regional Officer Housing rent freeze

To support teachers working in regional communities, the WA government has agreed to freeze the rent charged for Government and Regional Officer Housing (GROH) for the 2022-23 financial year. Some staff may have their rent reduced, due to the age or location of their GROH property and will be contacted directly by Housing and Transport.

Long service leave and casual employees

Government agencies have started making payments to some casual and former casual employees representing historical long service leave entitlements. Learn about the background to these payments, issues that might arise and what members can do to get further advice and help in resolving any problems. Read more.

PD and scholarship opportunities

Check out these great PD and scholarships opportunities for members. Apply now via the links below; application forms are brief.

Anna Stewart Memorial Project
Monday-Friday, 19-23 September in Perth.
Four places available.
Travel/accommodation assistance available for one successful country applicant.
Apply here by 4pm Friday 5 August

AEU Federal Women’s Conference
Friday-Saturday, 7-8 October in Melbourne.
Four places available. Expenses covered.
Apply here by 4pm Friday 5 August

Lynette Virgona Scholarship
$1,500 available to assist one member with PD in the areas of student behaviour and/or instructional strategies.
Apply here by 4pm Thursday 18 August

SSTUWA Scholarship Program
$10,000 prize pool available to assist members in professional/industrial learning opportunities.
Apply here by 4pm Thursday 18 August

Education and training

Writing a Competitive Job Application for Teaching Positions

If you are looking to upgrade your CV or apply for a teaching position, join us and Vanessa Herbert on Saturday 6 August for this half-day session.

You will develop an awareness of current DOE job application processes, techniques and requirements. You will learn how to demonstrate competitiveness when applying for specific schools via a covering letter and curriculum vitae. These skills apply to both non-IPS and IPS applications. Limited spaces remain. Click here to register