15 DecImportant VECTEA UPDATE re approval, funding, time release and org day
Approval process
ELAA has been in discussions with Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and the Australian Education Union (AEU) regarding the timetable of the employee approval ballot and it has been agreed that this will occur in February/March. If the proposed VECTEA is approved by a majority of employees who vote then we will proceed to the formal approval process at the Fair Work Commission (FWC). The exact timetable for this step will be advised by FWC. ELAA will assist members throughout this process with advice regarding each step. We will also provide advice and information sessions in Term 1 regarding implementation of the new agreement.
Funding
DET have confirmed to ELAA that the per capita funding rates will increase by 2.5% from 1 January 2021. Funding for the remainder of those VECTEA cost items that will be borne by services, will be paid to employers respondent to the next VECTEA upon approval of the agreement by the FWC, and backdated to 1 January 2021. This will include an increased per capita rate and $34 per child lump sum payment to cover the back pay costs between 1 October and 31 December 2020. The $34 per child lump sum payment and further adjustment to the per capita rate for VECTEA 2020 services is expected to occur in March or April, with the exact timetable dependent on the FWC approval process.
One hour of time release per week
Funding for the one hour of time release per week per service for Nominated Supervisors and/or Educational Leaders has been calculated from 1 January 2021, and forms part of the increased per capita rates for VECTEA 2020 services. Services may therefore implement this change from the commencement of Term 1. The Department will shortly notify services of the 2.5% per capita increase to apply from 1 January 2021. We will also notify you in the near future of the exact rates that will apply to the further per capita increase for VECTEA 2020 services which will be payable when the FWC approves the new VECTEA.
Additional organisational day at start of Term 1
Services may implement the agreed additional organisational day from the start of Term 1, meaning the first two days of Term 1 may both be organisational days. Employees not normally rostered on these days may access these two days by agreement with the employer within the first two weeks of Term 1 OR the last two weeks of Term 4, unless otherwise agreed. This additional day will not affect the requirement to provide 15 hours of funded kindergarten program per week throughout the year.
Regards
David Worland
CEO
