Independent Schools NSW (teachers) MEA 2017
The Independent Schools NSW (Teachers) Multi-Enterprise Agreement 2017 was approved by the Fair Work Commission on 23 March 2017 and will commence from 30 March 2017.
Click here for a copy of the decision and the MEA.
Click here for pay scales.
SALARY INCREASES
In 2017, Teachers will receive an increase of 2.3% followed by increases of 2.5% in 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively. The Union considers the pay increases a good outcome for members in the current low-inflation economic environment.
BACKPAY
The pay rise of 2.3% commences from the start of the first pay period after 1 February 2017. The Teachers MEA specifically provides at Clause 5(d) on p9 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.
PERSONAL/CARER’S LEAVE
The new personal/carer’s leave arrangements for teachers will commence from the beginning of 2017, including a one off credit of 15 days leave and a progressive accrual of 15 days per annum, without limit (see clause 12.1 (b) and (c) of the MEA for the transitional arrangements). Special leave of one day per year will now also be available to meet a scheduled family commitment where the timing is beyond the control of the teacher. New more flexible rules apply for the proof of illness - evidence will not be required for the first three days of personal/carer's Leave taken in a calendar year. For absences after the first three days, in the case of personal injury or illness, a teacher may only be required to provide a medical certificate for any absence of two consecutive days or more; but in the case of absence due to personal emergency or domestic violence, the teacher will need to provide evidence for each day absent.
SENIOR TEACHER 1
Members are reminded that teachers on Step 13 may apply to access Senior Teacher 1, with a rate of pay approximately $4,000 above Step 13. This process is not intended to be onerous – please see the provisions in the MEA (at clause 6.6) and contact the Union if you would like further information about the application process and criteria.
SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS SEEKING PROFICIENT TEACHER ACCREDITATION
Members working towards BOSTES/NESA Proficent Teacher accreditation require support and assistance from their school. Where a school has concerns that a Teacher is in danger of not meeting their Proficent Teacher accreditation deadline, the school will be obliged to notify the Teacher specific areas where more work is required at the comencment of the final term of the Teacher’s second year of teaching.
OVERSEAS SERVICE
From 2017 teachers who have had teaching service in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand will have such service automatically counted for the purposes of classification.
NOTIFICATION OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
School shall now advise Teachers of the dates of any designated professional development, training and/or meetings, in the preceeding year before the end of Term 3. The implementation of this provision will allow members certainty and security around personal commitments and plans knowing that they will not be subject to change based on the School providing limited notice for PD commitments.
IMPROVED TEMPORARY TEACHER PROVISIONS
The wording around the definition of a “Temporary Teacher” has been improved to better reflect more specific circumstances in which a Teacher maybe appointed as Temporary.
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.