The Queensland Teacher’s Union (QTU) and Independent Education Union (IEU) work for the common interests of teachers. Within a professional capacity the unions enact decisions made by its members. They conduct ballots and act on the majority vote. Union representatives attend State Council meetings and debate the direction of the union. QTU has representation on the Queensland College of Teacher’s Board, Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority and Tafe Queensland, to provide a professional voice on the decisions being made by those authorities.
The QTU and IEU represent its members from an industrial perspective. This means that they negotiate with the Department of Education and other Authorities, matters affecting teachers, such as working conditions, salaries, holidays, and teacher registration.
If an allegation is made against a teacher that is work related the unions provide advice, representation and covers legal costs for the individual. Additionally, free legal assistance can be granted for civil and criminal offences arising directly from employment.
Unions also support and raise awareness for a variety of community and social issues decided by its members. This support and awareness help to bridge gaps between all members of the community which in turn leads to better learning environments for the culturally diverse classroom.
Fogarty, R. (2022). Queensland Teachers’ Union and Independent Education Union (video). University of Southern Queensland Study Desk. https://usqstudydesk.usq.edu.au/m2/mod/page/view.php?id=2552799
