In any survey conducted by the QTU workload is consistently an issue of high priority for members.

During November, the QTU is holding its first Workload and Wellbeing Awareness Month (WWAM), and in the lead-up will be launching a web page designed to support members in making a difference to their workload and wellbeing.

The issues contributing to workload are two-fold – it is the pressure the system places on schools, school leaders, heads of programs and teachers to do more things without removing others, and the pressure we place on ourselves to be seen as “professionals”, whatever that means to the individual. At times it is our own expectations of what a “professional” does that results in us taking on more responsibilities, often at the expense of those things that we do outside of school.

Over the past few years the QTU has been working with DET to develop resources and tools that can be used at the workplace to address issues that contribute to the increasing workload. These tools include the directive that members put in place to ban the implementation of the Australian Curriculum. In response to this directive the Minister ordered a review of the P-10 curriculum, which resulted in a determination to declutter the curriculum and enable schools to decide the timeframe in which the Australian Curriculum should be implemented.

Additionally, the QTU has worked with DET on joint statements on data, planning, collegial engagement, annual performance reviews and school reviews. These joint statements assist schools in determining the processes by which the issues contributing to workload can be addressed.

The certified agreement also contains new clauses that address other workload and wellbeing issues, such as non-contact time, class sizes and staff meetings.

However, for these tools to have an impact on workload, they need to be used by members. During WWAM, schools will be asked to undertake a workload and wellbeing health check that will reflect on anything within or outside the school that contributes to workload and wellbeing issues. The Union will also be developing resources to assist schools in addressing these issues.

Members are encouraged to access the resources on the web page and to participate in WWAM. The Union understands that November is a busy month in the school year, however, we should never be too busy to talk about and act on workload issues.

The QTU would love to hear from Union Reps and schools about the great things they are already doing to have a positive impact on workload and wellbeing. We want WWAM to be a time when we celebrate the great work that we know is already happening in schools, and for us to take a further step to address issues impacting on workload and member wellbeing.

After all, another of the #100Reasons to be #QTUProud is that we work together to achieve great results for members.

Workload

It is difficult to separate workload from wellbeing. When members feel workload pressure they may feel stressed and overwhelmed, resulting in a negative impact on their wellbeing. However, the QTU has focused on a number of key areas with respect to wellbeing.
During WWAM the QTU wants to celebrate schools and members who are taking active approaches to providing a positive workplace culture and caring for each other’s wellbeing. The following are the key areas of wellbeing that the strategy focuses on.

Workplace health and safety

• Occupational violence – the QTU joins with DET in rejecting occupational violence. The Union has developed a resource to support schools in reporting any incidents of occupational violence. Additionally the QTU is developing resources to support members in responding to issues around the conduct of students, parents and the community.
• Climate control – during term three, workplaces will be invited to commit to participating in the QTU climate control survey. The survey will run over a 12 month period and have eight census points. During these weeks, members will be asked to measure the temperature within their classrooms at differing times of the day. This data will provide the QTU with an insight into the effectiveness of the various climate control measures across the state at different times in the year. It will also assist in informing a review of QTU policy and the Union’s State Budget submission and campaign. The Union will seek a commitment from the government that it will work with members and review the outcomes of our research to determine its own response to the issue of climate control in schools.
• Practical subjects – driven by members, the practical subjects campaign will review the risks inherent in the teaching of practical subjects, the needs of the relevant facilities, and the importance of appropriately sized classes to the health and safety of students and members.
• Online safety – threats to wellbeing come from a number of avenues, including cyberspace. Currently, the QTU is working with DET on an appropriate response to issues that arise as a consequence of the online world. Members can be significantly impacted by comments made on social media and other online outlets. It is important that DET and the government have an appropriate response and mechanism to support members in this space.

Domestic and family violence (DFV)

The QTU recognises DFV as a workplace issue.  In previous years, the QTU’s Women Teachers and Girls Education Committee developed support materials for schools to assist them in circumstances where members may be experiencing DFV. Recently, Executive has committed to investigating the provision of DV Work Aware training as part of our QTEC program for 2018. Additionally, QTU Officers are undertaking training during the remainder of 2017. The QTU is an active participant in the Ministerial Round Table regarding the Not Now, Not Ever report, and at our recent conference hosted a DET workshop on supporting employees in managing DFV issues.

Providing safe and supportive workplaces for LGBTIQ+ members

During the 2017 Biennial Conference, QTU policy was amended to include working with DET to ensure that LGBTIQ+ members experienced safe and supportive workplaces. This included support for the Safe Schools program, marriage equality and working with DET on its employment practices.

Healthy, wealthy and wise

The QTU will continue to work with its sponsors, TUH and QSuper, to provide members with resources to assist them in engaging in healthy practices, physically, psychologically and financially. Resources will be available to members to assess whether or not they are “super” fit and to participate in activities provided by TUH. The QTU is also working with a wellbeing coach to provide members with some simple steps on looking after their mental health.

Kate Ruttiman                                                                                                                       Deputy General Secretary (Member Services)

Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 122 No 6, 25 August 2017, p10