Independent Schools ACT (support and operational staff) Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2017
The Multi-Enterprise Agreement applying to support staff in ACT independent schools, the Independent Schools ACT (Support and Operational Staff) Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2017, was approved on 23 March 2017 and will therefore also commence from 30 March 2017.
Click here for a copy of the decision and the MEA and pay scales.
SALARY INCREASES
Support and Operational Staff will receive a 2.5% salary increase for each year of the MEA. Child care workers will receive higher increases in 2017 of at least 4%. The Union considers the pay increases a good outcome for members in the current low-inflation economic environment.
BACKPAY
The Teachers MEA specifically provides that the difference between the 2017 MEA rate and the rate actually received by the teacher during this period (ie the backpay) must be paid as soon as practicable after the commencement of the new MEA. Although the Support Staff MEA is not as specific, it states that the pay increase of 2.5% is applicable from 1 February 2017 and we expect schools will not treat support staff less generously than teachers in relation to backpay.
ORDINARY HOURS AND SHIFT PENALTIES
The MEA now specifies the span of ordinary hours – usually between 6am or 7am and 6pm, depending on the particular type of work. Shift penalties and broken shift penalties (for working two shifts in a day) now apply to a greater range of positions – if you work on weekends or outside normal hours, check these new provisions carefully. The broken shift penaly is 15%. There are also new provisions about notice of rosters.
NEW ALLOWANCES
Sleepover allowances will apply to boarding house staff and nurses staff required to sleep over at work but who are not provided with their own accommodation on an exclusive basis. A tools allowance will be payable to all qualified tradespersons required to provide their own tools of trade
CASUAL EMPLOYEES - SUPPORT AND OPERATIONAL STAFF
All casual employees will now receive a loading of 25%.
JUNIOR RATES - SUPPORT AND OPERATIONAL STAFF
Junior rates have been amended to be payable to fewer classifications.
IMPLEMENTATION AT YOUR SCHOOL
The Union thanks members for their patience in awaiting the approval of the agreements.
Please do not hesitate to call the Union if you have any query about the implementation of the new MEA at your school.