01 DecELAA CEO update 1 December 2020
Dear members and friends
read on for updates on a National Workforce Strategy, VECTEA Next Steps, Christmas close down and calculations requests, and our first ever Learning Brought to Life online professional development event.
National Workforce Strategy
Over recent weeks ELAA has been a part of a series of workshops held to inform the development of a new National Workforce Strategy. ACECQA is leading the development of the strategy and a supporting action plan which is being developed as a joint partnership between governments and the sector. Workshops have covered topics such as pay and conditions, qualifications, career pathways and mental health and wellbeing. A workforce strategy will play a critical role in the implementation of three-year-old kindergarten and it is pleasing to represent member views and be involved in the strategy development right from the start.
VECTEA Next Steps
Following the signing of the VECTEA 2020 Heads of Agreement between ELAA and the AEU, ELAA will begin the formal approval process under the Fair Work Act 2009. This process involves providing all eligible employees with an opportunity to vote, with both ELAA and AEU encouraging a YES vote. This ballot will occur in early Term 1, and ELAA members will be provided with all relevant information to distribute before the vote and support to administer this process. ELAA will also be conducting information sessions for members which will be published shortly.
ELAA would like to acknowledge its volunteer members that have played a critical role in the Industrial Relations Reference Group, as well as the strategic leadership of the member bargaining process by Mr Nick Church. We would also acknowledge the Australian Education Union for their professional approach to the negotiations. In the lead up to and post implementation of the new VECTEA, ELAA will continue to support its members with training, resources and advice.
ELAA office closure and end-of-year calculations requests
Finally, a couple of reminders: please note that ELAA will be closed for the Christmas period from 2.30pm on 23 December 2020 until 9am Monday 4 January 2021. No advice or staff entitlement calculations will be available during this period. The final date for the lodgement of all staff entitlement calculations, including Long Service, Annual Leave and Termination figures, must be submitted to ELAA by Friday 11th December at 5pm. Meeting this timeline will enable ELAA staff to get these figures back to you before our office closure on 23 December 2020. Due to the high volume of staff entitlement calculation requests, please allow at least five business days for a response.
Three days to go until our first Learning Brought to Life online PD event
COVID-19 has brought about so many changes to the early childhood education and care sector so I would like to remind all ELAA members, other early years professionals, and parent volunteers that there is just three days to go until leading international leadership and change expert, Shadé Zahrai, presents our first Learning Brought to Life online professional development event. Shadé will guide participants through an understanding of the basics of neuroscience and the psychology behind how our brain responds to changes at work or in our environment. She will equip you with the Three Part Framework for Change, and strategies to effectively lead yourself, and lead teams, in a time of incredible change. Registrations are still open and you can find out more and register by CLICKING HERE .
Take care
David Worland
CEO
