QTU training days
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 129 No 6, 23 August 2024, page 23.
Lead Union Rep training
Our organisation has an incredible network of Union Reps right across Queensland. Among this cohort are our Lead Union Reps, who were invited to the Teachers’ Building in Milton on 9 August for a program to support their development.
Lead Union Reps are experienced reps in their area or branch, supporting members and other reps, working collaboratively with their Organiser, and taking up opportunities for activism and leadership in our campaigns.
The Lead Reps were briefed by Brendan Crotty, Deputy General Secretary, on the QTU’s state election campaign and the ‘asks’ we will put to those that seek to govern in Queensland. General Secretary Kate Ruttiman provided her expertise, conducting a Q&A session and discussing the development of the EB11 claim.
Workplace Health and Safety Organiser Paige Bousen did a deep dive into the role of health and safety representatives under the new state government legislation. This time was invaluable in de-bunking misinformation and also providing Paige with feedback on what resources and clarity members will need to move the WHS agenda forward in their branches and workplaces.
Participants also learned more about negotiation skills. A particular focus was the place of interest-based negotiations and the opportunities that can open up when Reps are able to identify the concerns of members and have these addressed through consultation, rather than simply taking members’ positions forward on a given issue.
A highlight of the day was a workshop with journalist Jesse Grayson, who worked with participants around the skills necessary to be a QTU spokesperson. Lead Reps are often called on to be spokespeople, whether it is for comment in the media, in conversations with parliamentarians, at rallies, or at meetings of members. Jesse guided the group in defining issues, distilling key messages, reducing education jargon, and communicating our messages to the wider public in ways that “cut through”.
Principal Union Rep training
“Another wonderful Principal Union Rep session! I always walk away with new understandings and a renewed confidence in my work as a school leader - and confidence in the work of our QTU.”
Each year, Principal Union Reps meet for a training day that is tailored to the goals of the QTU and the needs of school leaders. This year they gathered on 12 July in Milton.
Our Principal Union Reps are school leaders who have a strong history of support for QTU campaigns and decisions, have a record of collaboration with their Regional Organiser and other officers, and understand the operations of the department and the Union. These attributes make them well-placed to be a voice for school leaders within the QTU and to champion Union values and goals with their peers.
Delegates heard from Deputy General Secretaries Brendan Crotty and Leah Mertens, as well as Workplace Health and Safety Officer, Paige Bousen. They covered the Union’s workplace health and safety (WHS) strategy, new legislation around health and safety reps, and the use of directives and disputes in resolving WHS issues.
Yonna Simon from the Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC) presented on the Right to Education in the Queensland Human Rights Act. General Secretary Kate Ruttiman introduced the session and tasked the participants with identifying key messages and recommendations that should inform QTU advice in the face of Departmental pressures in reducing student disciplinary actions.
Rachel Drew, Partner at Holding Redlich law firm, rounded out the day by following up on legal advice regarding human rights, giving an update on the Department of Education’s Conflict of Interest policy, and offering advice around aggressive parents and community members.