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Understanding the Industrial Agreement for Education Support Staff in NSW
If you work as an education support staff member in New South Wales, your working conditions and entitlements are governed by the Industrial Agreement for Support Staff in NSW Public Schools 2019 (the Agreement). The Agreement is a legally binding document that sets out the terms and conditions of employment for about 30,000 support staff members who provide a range of services to schools and students.
The Agreement covers a wide range of issues, including pay rates, hours of work, leave entitlements, classification and promotion, performance management, workplace health and safety, and dispute resolution. In this article, we will highlight some key aspects of the Agreement that you should be aware of.
Pay rates
The Agreement provides for a minimum wage rate of $27.71 per hour for full-time support staff members, as of the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2020. This rate may be higher depending on your role and level of experience. The Agreement also includes provisions for annual pay increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and negotiated salary increases for specific occupational groups, such as clerical officers, teacher aides, and Aboriginal education officers.
Hours of work
The Agreement specifies the standard hours of work for full-time support staff members as 35 hours per week, with a 30-minute unpaid meal break. However, your actual hours of work may vary depending on your role, location, and school needs. The Agreement also allows for flexible working arrangements, such as part-time work, job sharing, and flexible start and finish times, subject to mutual agreement and operational requirements.
Leave entitlements
The Agreement provides for a range of leave entitlements, including annual leave, personal leave, carer`s leave, parental leave, and long service leave. For example, full-time support staff members are entitled to four weeks of annual leave per year, plus an additional week if they have completed at least 5 years of service. Personal leave can be used for sick leave, bereavement leave, or compassionate leave, and is accrued at a rate of 1.3 days per month of service. Carer`s leave can be taken for caring responsibilities for a family member or household member who is ill or injured, and is available for up to 10 days per year.
Classification and promotion
The Agreement sets out a classification structure for support staff members, based on the level of skill, responsibility, and accountability required for each role. The current classification levels range from Level 1 (the lowest) to Level 7 (the highest), with different pay rates and duties for each level. The Agreement also includes provisions for promotion, which may be based on merit, qualifications, or experience, and may involve a higher classification level and pay rate.
Performance management
The Agreement requires that support staff members be managed fairly and consistently, and that any performance issues be addressed through a transparent and consultative process. This process may involve performance appraisals, performance improvement plans, or disciplinary action, depending on the nature and severity of the issue. The Agreement also allows for appeals and reviews of performance management decisions, including access to external dispute resolution mechanisms.
Workplace health and safety
The Agreement recognizes the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for support staff members, and requires that schools comply with relevant laws, standards, and guidelines. This includes providing adequate training, equipment, and resources to prevent or minimize workplace hazards, such as physical injury, psychological stress, or exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. The Agreement also allows for the appointment of health and safety representatives and committees, and requires regular consultation and communication on health and safety matters.
Dispute resolution
The Agreement provides for a range of mechanisms for resolving disputes between support staff members and their employer, such as grievances, mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings. The first step in resolving a dispute is usually to raise it with your immediate supervisor or manager, and to try to resolve it informally. If this is not successful, you may seek assistance from your union, or from the NSW Industrial Relations Commission or the Fair Work Commission.
In conclusion, the Industrial Agreement for Support Staff in NSW Public Schools 2019 is a comprehensive and complex document that reflects the rights and obligations of support staff members in the public education sector. While this article has provided a brief overview of some key aspects of the Agreement, it is important that you read and understand the full text, and seek advice or clarification if needed. By knowing your rights and responsibilities, you can help to ensure a fair and productive workplace for yourself and your colleagues.