The union representing teachers and support staff in non-government schools in NSW and the ACT is deeply concerned by media reports at the weekend and today about Redeemer Baptist School in North Parramatta.
Allegations include that the school is not paying its staff and that teachers are “volunteers” not employees.
Further allegations include practices that in the union’s view are inappropriate and unsafe and raise serious child protection concerns, such as students and teachers sharing bedrooms.
Teachers and professional and operational staff in non-government schools are covered by enterprise agreements that provide for salaries broadly comparable with salaries paid to teachers and support staff in NSW government schools.
If there is no enterprise agreement, a minimum federal award and legislated conditions (including superannuation) apply. It appears that the school’s teacher “volunteers” are not receiving even these minimum conditions.
The IEU calls on the NSW Education Standards Authority and the Office of the Children’s Guardian to investigate Redeemer Baptist immediately.
The Fair Work Ombudsman should also closely examine the school’s work arrangements to ensure federal laws have not been breached.
