The Independent Schools NSW (Support and Operational) Multi-Enterprise Agreement (MEA) for 2017 is an important document that outlines the minimum employment terms and conditions for non-teaching staff at independent schools across New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
The MEA covers a range of areas including salary, leave entitlements, work health and safety, and dispute resolution. It also includes provisions for flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and recognition of prior service for employees transferring between schools.
A key feature of the MEA is the provision for annual salary increases for all employees covered by the agreement. The increase is based on a percentage determined by the Minister for Education and Training and is intended to reflect changes in the cost of living.
In addition to salary increases, the MEA also includes provisions for paid personal leave, long service leave, and maternity and parental leave. Employees are entitled to paid personal leave for illness, injury, or caring for a family member, and long service leave after 10 years of continuous service.
The MEA also places a strong emphasis on work health and safety, with a requirement for schools to provide a safe and healthy work environment for employees. This includes measures such as risk assessments, training and induction, and regular safety inspections.
Dispute resolution is also addressed in the MEA, with a process for resolving workplace disputes through mediation and conciliation. If a resolution cannot be reached through these means, the dispute may be referred to the Fair Work Commission for arbitration.
Overall, the Independent Schools NSW (Support and Operational) Multi-Enterprise Agreement (MEA) for 2017 aims to provide a fair and consistent framework for the employment of non-teaching staff in independent schools across NSW. By setting minimum standards for salary, leave entitlements, and work health and safety, the MEA seeks to ensure that employees are fairly compensated and that their rights and entitlements are protected.