Individual Contracts offered across TAFE

DON'T SIGN YOUR RIGHTS AWAY!

Currently most non-teaching TAFE staff have their conditions of employment covered by the Crown Employees (NSW TAFE Commission - Administrative and Support Staff Conditions of Employment) Award 2005. This Award was negotiated collectively between the PSA and management.

TAFE and the Department of Education and Training is being blackmailed by the Federal Government to offer individual contracts to all TAFE staff, or else $1.4 billion of Federal Government funding to TAFE will be withheld. Under the Federal Government's misnamed 'Skilling Australia's Workforce' these individual contracts must be offered from 1 July 2006.

The Federal Government is aiming to undermine the collective strength and support that TAFE staff enjoy, and in the long run undermine the hard-won pay, conditions and rights of TAFE staff.

You would have received an email, memo or bulletin from your manager informing you that an individual contract is available if you choose.

The Public Service Association advises all TAFE staff to refuse the individual contract offer.

To maintain hard-won conditions and our collective strength

all you have to do is:

• Do Nothing - You can only be placed on an Individual Employment Agreement if you actively ask for one
• Talk to your work colleagues - Urge them not to sign an Individual Employment Agreement
• Join the PSA - If you are not already a member, now is the best time to join. Our ability to maintain and strengthen our rights and conditions is proportionate to our strength in numbers.

The PSA will shortly be hosting information forums at your College on Individual Employment Agreements and how they undermine our hard won rights and strength. Contact your local PSA delegate or phone 02 9220 0976 to find out more.

United we Bargain - Divided We Beg