Schools Members leading the way on the next VGSA

The process towards reaching a new Victorian Government Schools Agreement (VGSA) is detailed and involved, and rightly so. We want to ensure that all AEU members have their voices heard regarding the terms and conditions of their employment.

Members will have voted on their school sub-branch log of claims proposals in Term 1. This local sub-branch step is a vital part of the process as it enables individual AEU members to participate in developing a log of claims proposal that reflects the views of AEU members at their school.

In addition, to ensure that all members have had an opportunity to contribute, we have held meetings for specific groups of members, including those covered by the VGSA but not based in schools. 

The next step in the process occurs in Term 2, where representatives from each school will meet to consider the submissions from sub-branches in their region and develop a comprehensive regional log of claims proposal. Members in each region will collectively determine the proposals to be endorsed – another democratic and member-led step of the process. 

Your elected primary and secondary sector councillors will meet on 27 June to consider the proposals put forward by the regions. Councillors will then endorse the log of claims to be served on the Department of Education and the Victorian government. It is anticipated that bargaining for the replacement VGSA will commence in Term 3. 

AEU members – individually, collectively and via your democratically elected representatives – are integral at every stage of the log of claims process, but member engagement does not stop there. The log of claims is the AEU’s bargaining position in negotiations. The department will provide its own ‘management position’ – and, from there, bargaining on these claims begins. 

Throughout the bargaining process, AEU leadership will be engaging with members via regional meetings, sub-branch meetings and other communications to ensure that members are updated on our progress. Members’ feedback to the negotiating team throughout this process is critical to ensure we’re in the strongest position to achieve our claims in the next VGSA. 

We look forward to working with members throughout this process. Member involvement is the only way that we can effectively bargain, campaign and deliver a VGSA that respects our profession by delivering the salaries and conditions you need. 

Find all the information on the VGSA log of claims process here.