Queensland state school teacher aides and cleaners are set to get improved conditions, with the Queensland Government reaching in-principle agreement with United Voice around new certified agreements.
Acting Education and Industrial Relations Minister Kate Jones said the replacement certified agreements recognise the valuable contributions of these hard-working and dedicated state school support staff.
"Cleaners and teacher aides are absolutely vital to the smooth running of our Queensland state schools," Ms Jones said.
"The Palaszczuk Government strongly values the important role our teacher aides and cleaners play in supporting teaching and learning in our schools and in creating safe and welcoming learning environments across the state.
"These new agreements will provide exciting reforms for cleaners and teacher aides within our state schools."
Ms Jones said that across the state there are over 19,000 teacher aides employed in state schools, making a vital contribution to Queensland’s education sector.
"The proposed agreement for teacher aides provides reforms including annual wage increases of 2.5% in line with Queensland Government Wages Policy," she said.
"The package for teacher aides also includes improved opportunities and support for progression to higher classification levels and enhanced allowances for those working in special education facilities.
"Teacher aides do a wonderful job in supporting teaching and learning to ensure students get the very best from their education.
"They work closely with teachers and students to provide a wide range of support, helping to lift education outcomes for all students, and often our most vulnerable."
Ms Jones said state school cleaners within the department would also benefit from the annual wage increase of 2.5% and improved access to training and professional development opportunities.
"We’re introducing regional School Facilities Operations Advisor roles to support enhanced safe work practices, induction and training for these critical support staff," she said.
These new roles will support the safety and work practices of our employees and will be a vital resource for school leaders and cleaners.
"State school cleaning staff will also have improved access to first-aid training and to Certificate III – Cleaning Operations courses.
"I welcome these reforms and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the good faith in which the bargaining has been conducted between union officials and the department’s representatives."
