TAFE & Adult Provision Disability agreement negotiations update

The AEU was recently made aware of the intention of a disability provider to terminate its long-standing AEU agreements and shift all employees onto the SCHADS award. This action would result in members losing hard-won conditions, including six weeks of annual leave and 15 days of personal leave, planning time, as well as non-client time to complete paperwork and reports.

Despite the very short notice, the AEU appealed the employer’s application to the Fair Work Commission to terminate these agreements. The FWC has recommended that the union and the employer meet to try and reach an agreed position. The AEU has put forward its position that we would negotiate with the employer using existing multi-enterprise agreements as a possible starting point.

There are currently several negotiations taking place in the disability sector. In order to have the strongest possible bargaining position, we need to be made aware of any proposed changes to your working conditions as early as possible. We also need the strength and power of our union members. Urging colleagues to become members of the AEU can make all the difference when it comes to negotiating and maintaining working conditions at your workplace.

In the disability sector, the AEU has won several cases of incorrect classification and under-payment, as well as the right to client-free breaks. As part of the wider union movement, we ensured disability and community workers have correct PPE and access to Jobseeker and JobKeeper payments during the pandemic. We stand stronger together.