Enterprise bargaining agreement for TAFE teachers

25/3/96

The State's TAFE system will become the most progressive in the nation as a result of an enterprise bargaining agreement endorsed by both the Government and the State School Teachers' Union executive today.

Under the deal, TAFE lecturers will receive an immediate 11 per cent pay increase, followed by a further eight per cent in January, in return for big range of productivity gains, including more class time, fewer holidays and less overtime.

"This is a marvellous achievement which will make our lecturers the highest paid in the country, while giving students the best possible learning conditions," Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore said.

"The agreement will mean that TAFE colleges will have the flexibility to deliver the range of training demanded by industry and students.

"This is necessary because the TAFE system is now in a very competitive market and needs to attract and keep the best skilled and qualified lecturers available.

"For the first time, the distinct features of TAFE and the differences between it and the school system are recognised by this agreement."

Mr Moore said TAFE colleges would be used year-round, giving better return to the community and maximising taxpayers' funds.

He said the productivity improvements were the greatest gained in the TAFE system by any Government in Australia and would ensure the agreement was self funding.

He said the agreement followed long, hard negotiations, in which both sides were willing to be flexible to gain an outcome which was an all-round winner.

"The SSTU executive has endorsed this agreement, as has Cabinet, and I encourage lecturers to accept this fine offer," Mr Moore said.

The package includes enhanced professional development opportunities, an agreed career structure and a deferred salary scheme.

Productivity improvements include lecturers teaching for up to one month more per year, working evenings and Saturday mornings without penalties, reducing their holidays by two weeks and being more available for non-lecturing professional work.

"I congratulate the union and the department's negotiation team for achieving such a positive result which will lead TAFE into the 21st century," he said.

Media contact:  Anabel Gomez 321 1444