Hi, I have been with a private school employer for just under 2.5 years in Sydney. I am an experienced high school maths teacher and have held executive positions for numerous years with a couple of the most prestigious independent schools.
Due to family illness I resigned from my last position and after a period of time decided that I just wanted to work part time as a classroom teacher. I landed this job at a school that has 150 students spread across 7-12. What I didn't know at the time, was that this school is privately owned by 1 individual and the focus is on income with no regard to staff, and a superficial interest in the students. In the time that I have been employed there, the staff turnover is 50% (I'm not kidding) because the owner scrimps and underpays all staff. We are attached to a childcare teachers award.
Anyway, the issue as the only Maths teacher there teaching 6 classes, which is unheard of. I was told last week that 1 of my classes would be given to the new junior teacher starting next year and my hours would be reduced. As you can imagine, I advised the owner that I'm not prepared to take a pay cut. I contacted Fair work and they advised that I have to be consulted not told and If I refuse then that triggers a redundancy.
My question is, as the class is being transferred to a new graduate there is a considerable difference of pay between both of us. Therefore, this school cannot argue that enrolments have dropped off (because the numbers are strong) and they can't afford me. (Plus this school was given $177000 in job keeper payments when enrolments remained consistent. My employment contract clearly stipulates that I am permanent part time.
Can someone please confirm what my options are? I am applying for work and I'm sure I will have a new job within a couple of weeks. After that initial meeting with the owner, I have advised them that all correspondance needs to be in writing.
Due to family illness I resigned from my last position and after a period of time decided that I just wanted to work part time as a classroom teacher. I landed this job at a school that has 150 students spread across 7-12. What I didn't know at the time, was that this school is privately owned by 1 individual and the focus is on income with no regard to staff, and a superficial interest in the students. In the time that I have been employed there, the staff turnover is 50% (I'm not kidding) because the owner scrimps and underpays all staff. We are attached to a childcare teachers award.
Anyway, the issue as the only Maths teacher there teaching 6 classes, which is unheard of. I was told last week that 1 of my classes would be given to the new junior teacher starting next year and my hours would be reduced. As you can imagine, I advised the owner that I'm not prepared to take a pay cut. I contacted Fair work and they advised that I have to be consulted not told and If I refuse then that triggers a redundancy.
My question is, as the class is being transferred to a new graduate there is a considerable difference of pay between both of us. Therefore, this school cannot argue that enrolments have dropped off (because the numbers are strong) and they can't afford me. (Plus this school was given $177000 in job keeper payments when enrolments remained consistent. My employment contract clearly stipulates that I am permanent part time.
Can someone please confirm what my options are? I am applying for work and I'm sure I will have a new job within a couple of weeks. After that initial meeting with the owner, I have advised them that all correspondance needs to be in writing.
