We’ve got some new information following on from our November 12th update to Education Support Personnel (‘Support Staff’) on annualisation and working additional weeks.
AEU Branch President David Genford met with DECYP to discuss people working extra weeks in January being paid in March and not January.
First, here is DECYP’s explanation for why they have made the change:
- When making the payments in January this year, 600 employees were paid at the wrong rate because calculations were based on their 2023 hours––not their 2024 hours.
- Moving to a March 2025 payment ensures that this payment will be correct and that DECYP won’t need to chase employees for payment, or organise back pay.
- Fixed Term employees dating can’t be paid before their contracted start date.
We reiterated our concerns to DECYP about our fellow ESP members not being paid in January and payments made in March being heavily taxed. Here’s some advice:
Employees can access their fourth additional weeks’ paid hours in January. You can discuss having your school business manager input that you should be paid appropriately for the fortnight in which these additional hours were worked.
When making payment in March, DECYP payroll will tax your earnings against your January pay, so that the taxation algorithm doesn’t misrepresent your earnings as being twice as much as normal––which would lead you to being taxed at a higher rate.
One issue still remains: employees on a Fixed Term contract cannot commence work before they start their contract. We’re seeking additional advice, but your best bet is exercising your right to request secure hours and pay by conversion to permanency. Keep reading to learn more!
| Know Your Rights: Conversation to Permanency for Fixed Term Employees This still leaves the issue of employees on Fixed Term contracts being unable to commence work before they start their contract. The best way to address this is through your union-won rights! Under your union-won agreement, Fixed Term employees who have completed 12 months continuous employment in the same or similar duties have the right to apply to change their employment status from fixed term to permanent. Criteria apply. Think you’re eligible and want support to apply? Speak to your workplace rep or contact us at support@aeutas.org.au or on (03) 6234 9500. |
If you want to see an end to unpaid stand down once and for all, it’s time now to get involved.
Negotiations for your next collective union agreement will commence in 2025. This is our chance to make stand down a thing of the past. But only if you take action to help us build the power and pressure we need to win.
- Send us an email at comms@aeutas.org.au to let us know you can get involved in negotiations for your collective union agreement! We’ll find a way to be involved that fits your time/experience!
- If you’re on Facebook, join our Facebook community to connect with other ESPs, keep up with campaign updates and be ready to take action.
