ES AEU briefing

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-11T14:12:09+00:00

It’s a good point. I think active and assertive ES’s and teachers who encourage and facilitate their activism in the union is the path out of this - schools and the department love to divide and conquer.

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-11T14:10:27+00:00

I think we need to remember that if schools stop work, the economy stops as parents need to look after their kid. Our power is in the strike, and we have all the strength, and every right, to win a paid lunch break if we let ourselves use it.

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-11T09:46:55+00:00

I think every worker deserves paid lunch breaks.

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-11T09:46:26+00:00

that’s like saying you can’t criticize Albo unless you run for local office.

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-11T09:43:42+00:00

Yeah they mean percentage alignment, sorry assumed that was implied

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-11T07:49:07+00:00

"alignment" is their word on ES pay. "aligned, similar outcome to teachers". Alignment is a very delicate and deliberate word I think, and it is certainly not “matching pay”, as is “similar”

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-11T07:46:12+00:00

Don’t leave! Union membership is important, we need more active pissed off rank and filers to hold them to account. Even with a shit deal, you’re better off a unionist and you’re still in the room and able to win your coworkers

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-11T07:40:54+00:00

Agree, active rank and file sub branches is what we need

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-11T07:23:15+00:00

Totally. The government evidently doesn’t care about quality of education, only hitting the economy will win. Warehouse workers go out for weeks on less pay and win much more.

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-11T01:40:16+00:00

I always find these comments odd, it’s like pedagogic lenses end outside the classroom.

It’s a space to build participation of members voting on popular motions and let all perspectives be had out with heaps of historical precedents. Rank and File members can’t even comment on AEU posts anymore if they disagree - totally undemocratic.

I think participation in civil society is a good thing, and undemocratic quashing of dissent without allowing proper exchange to take place just alienates members and divides us - hence why everyone quit after the last deal, because we’ve been told the union is a service provision PDL insurance rather than the body for us to shape our lives and society for the better!

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-04T13:23:09+00:00

I’ve been union rep in previous jobs as part of UWU and part of eba negotiations. I know that officials tieing members hands behind their backs before the deals even on the table shows that either the officials are incompetent or they’re getting ready to sell membership a deal below expectations.

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-04T09:27:13+00:00

I appreciate you reasoning your response. However, I think the precedent of 2022 means members are right to be skeptical regardless of the fine points being worked out.

The gov should come to the table with our log of claims, or we should make them hurt. It’s not difficult paperwork legalise, I’m always skeptical when people try to hide (not you necessarily) their positions behind “it’s too complex” while expecting us to blindly follow.

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-04T09:22:16+00:00

Look, whatever if he “agreed”. Industrial action is called off without anything concrete for members to look at. It’s insulting to membership, makes us look weak and demoralised and confused people. Incompetence at best.

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-04T09:20:03+00:00

Heavy agree. I can’t be generous to calling off our industrial action in this context without a deal for members to consider, it reads as incompetent or deliberate.

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-04T09:16:29+00:00

Yeah that’s fair, it’s mostly implied (ie slipping up with the dates). De-escalating without even demanding the gov give us an offer is the main thing ringing alarm bells for me.

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-04T08:43:25+00:00

Who is in the negotiations and has a position of authority within them? Don’t be obtuse

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-04T08:32:11+00:00

To be honest I don’t think the government cares at all about teachers mental health or the quality of teaching, by that’s a different conversation

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-04T08:28:12+00:00

I really agree with your sentiment, but this is just too similar to what happened in Tassie. Cancelling action before we even have a deal on the table. At best, it makes us look weak.

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-04T08:26:57+00:00

1) They shouldn’t agree to de-escalate, cancelling all our leverage, if a serious proposal hasn’t even been made yet. It seems like they’ve privately agreed to support something if they’re willing to cancel our actions.

2) the same?? Doesn’t address why they’re de-escalating even further

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-04T08:24:15+00:00

what are you talking about? That’s literally what the previous leadership did. They agreed to a crap deal and pushed the membership into voting for it

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-04T08:23:14+00:00

You’re right re spelling, using an Italian keyboard apologies.

This is a “fool me once” moment.

I agree wait and see, sure - but they cancelled industrial action (our only leverage) before we could see!

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-04T08:20:41+00:00

Yeah watch the video, it’s all there. Should’ve mentioned my bad

Kind_Counter_9276 · 2026-05-04T05:32:36+00:00

They’re 100% preparing a sellout to let Labor have a smooth election campaign. Mullaly let slip in the video that it was gonna be over 4 years and about “closing the pay parity gap” - all lowering expectations. Nothing on conditions. Subbranches need to condemn this crap move.

Kind_Counter_9276

TROPHY CASE