The role of education assistants has become increasingly important in today’s educational landscape. They provide support to teachers and students, facilitating a positive and productive learning experience for everyone involved. In Queensland, the general agreement for education assistants was recently updated and implemented in 2019. Let’s take a closer look at what this agreement entails and what it means for education assistants in the state.
The general agreement for education assistants in Queensland covers a range of issues related to their employment, including pay rates, hours of work, and leave entitlements. It applies to education assistants employed in state schools, including those who work as teacher aides, Indigenous language and culture workers, and special education teacher aides.
One of the most significant changes to the general agreement is an increase in pay rates. Education assistants will receive a 2.5% increase to their base rate of pay, backdated to July 1, 2018. This increase is in line with the Queensland Government’s commitment to increasing the wages of public sector workers. Additionally, the agreement provides for annual pay increases over the next three years.
The agreement also addresses issues related to hours of work and leave entitlements. Education assistants will now have greater flexibility in regard to their work hours. This includes the ability to work on a part-time or casual basis, as well as options for flexible working arrangements. Education assistants will also be entitled to additional personal leave, with an increase from 12 to 15 days per year.
Overall, the general agreement for education assistants in Queensland provides a number of improvements to their employment conditions. These changes will help to ensure that education assistants are better compensated, have more flexible working arrangements, and are entitled to the leave they need to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
It’s important to note that the general agreement is a result of negotiations between the Queensland Government and the relevant employee unions. This means that the agreement represents a compromise between the needs and wants of both parties. As a result, it’s likely that some education assistants may feel that the agreement does not go far enough in certain areas.
In conclusion, the general agreement for education assistants in Queensland represents a positive step forward for the profession. It provides a number of improvements to employment conditions that will benefit education assistants and ensure that they are better equipped to support teachers and students. As always, it’s important for education assistants to remain informed and involved in the ongoing negotiations between their unions and the Queensland Government.