IEU Members at Australian Islamic College Secure a Safer Workplace Through Collective Action
New provisions enabling workers to seek the assistance of the South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET) to resolve Work Health and Safety (WHS) issues have enabled IEU members at the Adelaide campus of the Australian Islamic College (AIC) to organise and win agreed resolutions to address the physical and psychosocial hazards they have been exposed to in their workplace.
In May of 2024, members raised concerns with their IEU Sub-Branch Organiser regarding ongoing violent student behaviour including gendered violence.
Members reported both physical and psychological injuries caused by student behavior. They also held concerns for the safety of other students in their care.
The unsafe work environment was impacting on staff’s psychological health. Staff were taking increased sick leave, and the unsafe workplace was affecting staff turnover and the ability to attract relieving teachers.
Members had raised these WHS concerns with their employer but had not been provided with a satisfactory resolution.
Members of the Sub-Branch met and collectively moved motions to support a safe and healthy working environment where staff were safe to teach, and students were safe to learn and play.
Members asserted their right to work in an environment free from verbal, psychological and physical violence.
A delegation of members and their IEU Organiser met with their employer to provide their perspective and speak to their unsafe work conditions. Although the employer made some commitments to address the matters, in the weeks following, the implementation of the changes was not being made a priority, and the safety of members continued to be at risk. For example, concerns remained around the inadequacy of the school’s student behaviour management systems.
With the assistance of the IEU, members raised a Health and Safety dispute using new WHS Laws seeking a range of resolutions to address the physical and psychosocial hazards as a matter of priority.
Members were not satisfied with the employer’s initial responses — particularly regarding the management of student behaviour and in addressing other safety concerns.
To expediate a satisfactory resolution which would eliminate or mitigate the WHS risks, the IEU sought the assistance of the SAET.
Along with IEU Officers, the Sub-Branch representatives attended several SAET conferences to represent members concerns.
Given that AIC did not have elected Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs), a key milestone was achieved where IEU Officers were able to meet with all staff (on the request of members) to assist in the negotiation of work groups for the purpose of electing HSRs and Deputy Representatives. The IEU was able to provide clarity for staff on work groups, the role of HSRs and the process.
Through conciliation conferences, with the assistance of the SAET, and further meetings with the employer, resolutions and actions were agreed to the satisfaction of IEU members.
As a result of persistence and determination members were able to win the following:
- Fit-for-purpose Student Behaviour Policy and Procedures developed in consultation with staff.
- An agreed Psychosocial Risk Assessment and commitment to monitoring psychological safety.
- Additional Non-Contact Time.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Increased staffing to better manage student behaviour.
- A new system to report injuries, hazards, and near misses.
- An agreed Health and Safety Policy.
- The election of Health and Safety Representatives and Deputy Representatives.
IEU members are regularly raising concerns related to the behaviours of students they work with.
Although we often equate ‘violence’ and ‘behaviour’ with risks of a physical nature, we know that the risk to the psychological health is just as high.
Your employer has a duty to provide a physical AND psychologically safe workplace.
For more information on what a Psychosocial Hazard might look, like read this ‘Mind your Head’ website resource: Psychosocial Hazards (workplace mental health hazards) – Mind Your Head
If you need advice or assistance on how members at your worksite can address Health and safety concerns at your school, please contact your IEU organiser – 8410 0122 or enquiries@ieusa.org.au
Action:
Work Safety is Union Business.
If you are experiencing violence or unsafe behaviours in your school, it’s time to act.
Hold a Sub-Branch Meeting
Bring members together to discuss the issues, share experiences, and identify the impact on staff and students.
Engage With Your IEU Organiser
Your organiser can provide expert advice on your rights and help develop an action plan tailored to your school.
Identify Hazards – Physical and Psychosocial
Remember: violence isn’t just physical. Verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, and psychological stress are also serious WHS concerns. As a group identify the risks that you are facing, and how they might be removed or mitigated.
Take Collective Action
Just like the members at AIC, you as a union, have the strength to raise concerns collectively, lodge formal complaints, and seek external support if needed.
