When you join the SSTUWA you join a team of people dedicated not only to working to protect every member’s industrial rights, but committed to promoting the value of public education to the community as a whole.
The SSTUWA has led the fight for better pay and conditions for members in schools and TAFEs as well as campaigns such as Putting Our Kids First, Fair Funding Now and TAFE Works, dedicated to defending our public schools and colleges.
Senior Officers
The union’s senior officers are:
President: Pat Byrne
Senior Vice President: Matt Jarman
Vice President: Sharmila Nagar
General Secretary: Mary Franklyn
Senior officers are elected by members and lead the SSTUWA’s advocacy and lobbying processes, developing and implementing policy under the guidance of member elected union State Council and Executive.
Campaigns
Promoting the benefits of properly funded and accessible public education for all is a key area of the SSTUWA’s operations. Our team runs initiatives to ensure issues which impact on our members and on students of all ages are kept at the forefront of the community’s mind.
Reps
We have SSTUWA reps in schools across the state. They are your first port of call for assistance. Reps have access to a range of support from the union experts and can often resolve local issues on the spot. Union reps get extensive training from the SSTUWA. If you want to find out more about becoming a rep please have a chat with your organiser, call the SSTUWA or visit our website.
Member Assist
Three full-time Member Assist staff are supported by a team of organisers, advocates and legal advisors in offering advice to members during business hours. Each year the Member Assist team handles around 6,000 phone enquiries and about 4,000 emails on issues ranging from working conditions to OSH matters and grievances.
Growth Team
New to teaching, or want to join the union? Our Growth Team has all the information and support you need to make it through those difficult early years of your career. Our New Educator Network offers dedicated professional development and most importantly an environment where you can talk to people who have been through, or are having, the same experiences as you.
Organisers
Our organisers cover all schools within allocated districts, offering support to union reps and members in schools and on campuses.
Click here to find which district you are in.
The union also has specialist organisers for leaders, women and occupational health and safety, offering top class expertise and experience in these specific areas.
Case managers
If your issue is complex then you will be referred to a case manager. We have three experienced case managers who will give your issue the attention it deserves.
Legal advisors
Our in-house legal advisors advocate in the courts and in tribunals for the SSTUWA. This can be on issues for individual members or during cases which represent the interest of the membership as a whole, such as interpretation of awards and attempts to reduce members’ entitlements.
Our legal advisors also act in concert with our contracted law firms.
Education and training
The SSTUWA offers the best industrial and professional education and training in Australia. This training is heavily discounted for members. Courses range from how to apply for a job to high-level professional development, in addition to a full range of industrial training for reps and in occupational health and safety.
Our Education and Training Centre also coordinates conferences and events which offer members access to some of the world’s best Education thinkers and leaders.
Courses are available throughout the year both in term-time and during school holidays.
Online
Our website offers members a one-stop shop for immediate advice and updates on the latest news regarding the profession.
You can find information sheets, the relevant agreement for your area and a host of other advice on speciality areas such as Occupational Health and Safety, Women’s Issues, TAFE, Leaders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and LGBTIQ.
You can also check out the massive range of member benefits and get instant access to discounts on a range of goods and services. From educational resources to discounted insurances, travel bargains to movie tickets, there’s something for everyone.
Facebook and Instagram
Keep in touch with your colleagues and the latest news and views via Facebook and Instagram. Our regular updates link you with your peers. There are also closed Facebook groups for specific areas including New Educators and Early Childhood Education.
Twitter
Really keen on up to the minute info from the sector then follow us on Twitter for links and retweets that are relevant to you and your career.
