shirley

IEUA Statement Religious Discrimination Bill 2019 5 September 2019 The Independent Education Union of Australia (IEUA) expresses its serious concerns with the federal government’s draft Religious Discrimination Bill. The IEUA is disappointed at the continuing practice of governments to polarize, disenfranchise and make a ‘whipping post’ of the rights of our members who work in faith-based education. Yet again proposed legislation completely exempts religious schools from allowing their employees the same rights that all other Australians enjoy. Here it is not the freedom to love and marry who they wish but the freedom of religion and belief itself. Religious schools don’t [...]

Vale Barry McFarlane A dedicated teacher, a committed unionist. Barry’s commitment to his profession was underpinned by the inseparable connection between the professional and industrial arms of the profession. Barry recognised and spent a lifetime pursuing the importance of a profession that is respected and resourced to undertake its critical work for the students and therefore the broader community. Barry was a well-loved, highly respected and tremendously regarded teacher, having been the recipient of significant teaching awards. In many respects he was a legendary figure of The Friends School in Hobart. Barry was committed to improving and supporting the working-life of [...]

Fiji Police Attack Union Members on May Day The IEUA stands in solidarity with FTU and FTA members and all other union members in Fiji as they face a further attack on their human rights, their working rights and their rights to union association. Background On International May Day, union members rallied outside the Water Authority Depot, in support of sacked water department workers. Police arrived to inform the group that they could not gather without a permit. Consequently the protest group moved to the Fiji Trade Union Congress grounds and were joined by other union members. Police then entered onto [...]

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY : MORE POWERFUL TOGETHER On International Women’s Day, IEU members call upon employers and governments to take proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.   Everyone deserves to be safe at work and in their community. Yet the rates of sexual harassment in Australia are alarming, particularly for women, with 85% having experienced it in their lifetime. Sexual harassment is about more than just individual behaviour. It is a problem that is deeply entrenched within our society and occurs because gender inequality is ingrained in our social and cultural norms, structures and practices. Sexual harassment causes [...]

Rates Of Sexual Harassment In Australia Are Alarming Everyone deserves to be safe at work and in their community, yet the current rates of sexual harassment in the workplace are alarming. According to a recent ACTU survey of nearly 10 000 people, two in three women and one in three men have been subjected to one or more forms of sexual harassment. The survey identified that of 9 607 respondents: 69% had experienced crude or offensive behaviour. 48% experienced unwanted sexual attention. 35% experienced inappropriate touching. 18% received explicit texts, emails or messages on social media. 8% experienced sexual coercion.In addition [...]