The Aitken College Agreement: What You Need to Know

Recently, news of the Aitken College Agreement has been making the rounds in the education community. This agreement, signed between Aitken College and the Independent Education Union (IEU), has brought about changes that will impact both staff and students at the college. As a professional, I dug deeper to understand what exactly this agreement means and how it will affect the college.

Background

Aitken College is a co-educational independent school located in Greenvale, Victoria, Australia. The college has over 1,500 students and employs more than 200 staff members. The IEU is a union that represents the interests of non-government school staff, including teachers, support staff, and counsellors, in negotiations with their employers.

The Agreement

The Aitken College Agreement, signed in December 2020, will be in place until 2023. The agreement covers a range of issues, including pay increases, working conditions, and professional development opportunities for staff. It also outlines changes to the college`s governance structure, including the establishment of a Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) to facilitate communication between staff and management.

Impact on Staff

The most significant change resulting from the Aitken College Agreement is the pay increase for staff. The agreement includes a 2.5% pay increase for staff in 2021, followed by a 2% increase in both 2022 and 2023. This increase is in line with the annual increases in the cost of living in Victoria.

The agreement also includes provisions for improved working conditions for staff. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a new workload model that aims to reduce the workload of teachers, particularly in terms of administrative tasks. The agreement also provides for increased opportunities for professional development and career progression for staff.

Impact on Students

While the Aitken College Agreement primarily affects staff, it will also have an impact on students. The improvements in working conditions and opportunities for professional development for staff will result in a more motivated and engaged teaching workforce, which will ultimately benefit students.

Additionally, the establishment of the JCC will provide a forum for staff to voice their concerns and ideas for improving the college. This will ensure that students` perspectives are taken into account in decision-making processes, and that the college remains responsive to the needs of its community.

Conclusion

The Aitken College Agreement is a significant development for both staff and students at the college. The pay increases and improved working conditions for staff will result in a more motivated and engaged workforce, which will ultimately benefit students. The establishment of the JCC will also ensure that the voices of staff and students are heard in decision-making processes, leading to a more responsive and inclusive college community.