All smiles as the new teacher agreement comes into operation
Last week the new enterprise agreement for NTPS teachers and assistant teachers was approved by the Fair Work Commission. It becomes operational as of today.
This is an important development for members – the new agreement [PDF] contains improved clauses on job security, special study leave, consultation and parental leave, to name a few.
All employees covered by the agreement have been emailed by the Commissioner for Public Employment with details of when salary increases and back pay will be paid. The important dates are as follows:
- 15 November 2018 (Pay 10) – a 2.5% increase in salaries and allowances (backdated to 11 October 2017) will apply from this pay period. For a CT9 employed full-time over the past 12 months, this will equate to a gross salary payment of approximately $2500.
- 29 November 2018 (Pay 11) – an additional 2.5% increase in salaries and allowances (backdated to 11 October 2018) will apply.
The combined effect of these pay increases will see salaries increase by 5%, with further increases of 2.5% to apply in October 2019 and October 2020 respectively. We have published a table of salary increases.
We know members have been waiting some time for these pay increases to take effect. Although it has taken longer than we would have liked, at least we now have a time frame and it is in time for Christmas!
Some members have raised concerns about losing a large chunk of backpay to tax because it will be paid as a lump sum. The AEU has been informed that the backpay component will be taxed like normal fortnightly payments rather than a lump sum payment, meaning the amount withheld for tax should be similar to what would normally be deducted.
We can all be proud of this result. The pay increases are well-deserved, and ensure our teacher salaries remain among the best in Australia.
With the agreement secured, we will continue to work on improving conditions for teachers, with permanency, school resourcing, work health and safety and remote housing our key priorities.
On behalf of the Branch Executive, thank you for your support during our enterprise bargaining campaign.
Should you have any questions about the transition to new salaries, please contact our office.