News

UnionsWA, in collaboration with key public sector unions in WA and community supporters has today launched a new “The Public Good” campaign. It will have a major focus on promoting the important role of public services and the public sector workforce leading up to and beyond the 2021 WA state election.

Restoration of the billions of dollars of funding cut from TAFE over the past decade must be at the heart of any Commonwealth response to the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector post-COVID-19.

Education is both an individual and collective right. It gives every person an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for a meaningful life. It is also a nation’s most precious tool to achieve economic growth, social progress and democratic development.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) falls on 17 May. IDAHOBIT was started in 2004 to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination and harassment experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexuals, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics (LGBTIQ).

The State School Teachers’ Union of WA said a new survey of members found there are encouraging signs that COVID-19 precautions are being managed in schools, but some areas need attention before student numbers increase.

Results of the COVID-19 member survey

The SSTUWA is seeking urgent discussions around the following issues for Term 2, 2020. These positions are provided on a “without prejudice” basis, given the rapidly changing information and circumstances.

The SSTUWA has written to the Minister for Education raising a number of issues including calling for pupil free days to start next week, high risk employees to be allowed to work from home, hospital standard cleans of all schools and TAFEs during the holidays, a guarantee of sufficient hygiene products for schools and TAFEs, support services for pupils learning at home, guarantees on pay and leave and realignment of classrooms to meet social distancing requirements. You can see the full letter here.

The AEU has won significant commitments that enhance our members’ safety and working conditions across the country following intensive lobbying and negotiations with federal, state and territory governments.

​The Morrison Government’s policy objectives which strip funding from TAFE and privatise vocational education is causing lasting damage to the Australian economy which will take decades to fix.

​A new report revealing that the Morrison Government cut $325 million in funding from TAFE budgets last year is yet more evidence Prime Minister Scott Morrison does not value TAFE’s crucial role in the provision of high quality vocational education.

The NATSIPA and Te Akatea Maori Principals conference is now live and open for registrations. The early bird rate still applies until the 13 December.

An historic moment for SSTUWA OSH Organiser Joy Barrett, leaving State Parliament after the second reading of the new Work Health and Safety Act.

The latest OECD report of international school system performance has shown the impact of six years of Federal Coalition government failure when it comes to properly funding and resourcing our public schools.

The West Australian editorial (p76, 29/11) School reviews part of striving for excellence misses the key point on coverage of the review system.

​UnionsWA has today welcomed the tabling in the WA Parliament by the McGowan Government of its Bill to modernise workplace health and safety law in WA.

​The misrepresentation of the new school review process, aimed at schools identifying areas where they need more resources and support, is disgraceful.

UnionsWA has today released the results of a major work health and safety survey of over 1,500 West Australians.

The Morrison Government continues to preference funding to Catholic schools despite falling enrolments and in the face of booming student enrolments in the public system, according to new analysis of ACARA finance and enrolment data.