G N I Y L L RAOR THE CAUSE F
Thousands of members in Catholic systemic schools took industrial action and participated in rallies throughout November to make sure employers heard their voice protesting attempts to push through an enterprise agreement which does not guarantee the right to arbitration and does not address other Union demands. IEU Secretary John Quessy said Union members must not vote ‘yes’ to any enterprise agreement presented by employers and not endorsed by the IEU. He urged members not to be swayed by blackmail linking the delayed pay rise to the vote.
Rallies were held in Sydney, Parramatta, Gymea, Bateau Bay, Canberra, Newcastle, Aberdeen, Armidale, Tamworth, Albury, Wagga Wagga, Campbelltown, Wollongong, Bathurst and Tomakin. There were also stop work meetings at St Bernard's Catholic Primary School Berowra Heights, Good Shepard Primary School Plumpton, and St Joseph's Primary School Bulahdelah. Here’s some of what was said at the Sydney and Parramatta rallies:
“It’s important to remember that for over 100 years, unions have fought for the rights of workers to get fair wages and decent working conditions, and since the time of the Harvester Judgement in 1907, have insisted on our right to arbitration. Unfortunately, the CEO and CCER are trying to take away that historic unilateral right.” Steve Bridges Cerdon College Merrylands
“Teaching for 33 years, I remember when the Catholic system used to respect teachers, it used to be behind unions. Now it’s basically union busting. Even the Pope supports unions, so why doesn’t our local Catholic system?” Peter Fitzgerald Champagnat Catholic College Pagewood
“It’s great to see so many young people here. We want the CCER to respect our right to arbitrate.” Marita Wells St Therese’s Primary Catholic School Mascot
“Catholic employers can talk the talk but can’t walk the walk. They’ve proved themselves all piss and wind.” John Quessy IEU Secretary
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“We are expected to be compliant, not to speak out about the injustices that occur in work places - classes of 34 how is that fair on any teacher and their students? I am very sorry to report it is many, many teachers in the Sydney Archdiocese. And why is it wrong for us, this collective to speak out and say it should not be happening?” Bernadette Baker St Mary’s Cathedral College Sydney