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Independent Schools

On 1 January 2010, a new federal industrial system commenced.  One of the most significant changes was the replacement of old awards with streamlined and stripped back “modern awards”.  During the award modernisation process, more than 1500 awards were compressed into just 122 modern awards.  Modern awards are not as comprehensive as old awards and although some conditions may be retained, inevitably some may be lost.   

Modern awards operate in conjunction with the National Employment Standards (NES), which are 10 minimum conditions including annual leave, personal leave and parental leave.  Together, the modern awards and the NES form a safety net of minimum conditions that must be provided by your employer.  The modern awards and the NES are minimum conditions which will not always be as good as current industry standards.

It is important to remember that modern awards do not apply where a collective agreement is in place.  This is because the new federal industrial system is designed to encourage employers and employees to collectively bargain at the workplace level for conditions of employment. 

A collective agreement is the most secure and efficient way of improving conditions of employment in your workplace.

If your workplace does not have a collective agreement, some conditions of your employment may now be governed by the modern award and the NES.  However, the circumstances of your individual workplace will be relevant in determining what conditions you should retain.  In particular, common law contracts made prior to 1 January 2010 should continue to be honoured.

It is very important that you contact VIEU for advice prior to signing any new contracts. 

Modern Awards

Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2010

Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award 2010

National Employment Standards

Old Awards

Victorian Independent Schools - Teachers - Award 1998

Victorian Independent Schools - School Assistants - Award 1998

Collective Agreements

List of Victorian Independent Schools Collective Agreements