FUTURE EDUCATION OF 18k+ STUDENTS AT RISK
Planned cuts by Lutheran Education Queensland (LEQ) to working conditions of the staff in its 26 schools will put quality education for 18K+ students at risk, according to the union representing employees.
Independent Education Union of Australia – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEUA-QNT) Branch Secretary Terry Burke said LEQ's planned cuts would make it far from an employer of choice in the state.
"LEQ claims to 'offer an inspired, Christian educational experience that sets our students apart' - and its plan for employees will certainly set it apart as an employer for all the wrong reasons," Mr Burke said.
"LEQ's planned cuts will result in all other major education employers – state, Catholic and Anglican – offering far superior working conditions.
"LEQ's planned cuts will have serious negative implications including:
- Lower wages for some of the most experienced teachers when compared to the majority of the Queensland education sector.
- Proposed delays to wage increases which will have compounding negative effects into the future.
- Removal of workload safety nets.
- Removal of provisions ensuring job security and procedural fairness related to employment.
"Any cut to working conditions, is a cut to the foundation of quality education in these schools.
"Our members are asking why LEQ wants to make these cuts now.
"Especially after the hard work and dedication shown by Queensland Lutheran teachers and school support staff throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
"Instead of valuing and rewarding staff for keeping their schools operational throughout the pandemic, LEQ has shown disregard for them.
"The cuts are at odds with the teachings of the Lutheran Church and its Christian values.
"Undoubtably LEQ's plan will also raise some serious questions amongst students' parents and parishioners alike.
"We hope that they too will call on LEQ to stop the cuts to working conditions in order to protect quality education in Queensland Lutheran schools," Mr Burke said.
Lutheran Education Queensland (LEQ) has 26 schools (some with multi-campuses) in the current locations across Queensland:
BRISBANE - BAYSIDE
Faith Lutheran College - Primary Campus (VICTORIA POINT)
Faith Lutheran College - Secondary Campus (THORNLANDS)
BRISBANE – CENTRAL
St Peter's Lutheran College - Indooroopilly Campus (INDOOROOPILLY)
BRISBANE – NORTH
Prince of Peace Lutheran College - Primary Campus (EVERTON HILLS)
Prince of Peace Lutheran College - Secondary Campus (EVERTON HILLS)
BRISBANE - SOUTH
Good News Lutheran Primary School (MIDDLE PARK)
CAIRNS
Peace Lutheran College (KAMERUNGA)
CENTRAL QLD
Redeemer Lutheran College (BILOELA)
GOLD COAST
Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School (PIMPAMA)
St Andrews Lutheran College (TALLEBUDGERA)
Trinity Lutheran College - Primary Campus (ASHMORE)
Trinity Lutheran College - Secondary Campus (ASHMORE)
IPSWICH & GATTON
Bethany Lutheran Primary School (RACEVIEW)
Faith Lutheran College (PLAINLAND)
Peace Lutheran Primary School (GATTON)
LOGAN
Bethania Lutheran Primary School (BETHANIA)
Redeemer Lutheran College - Primary Campus (ROCHEDALE)
Redeemer Lutheran College - Secondary Campus (ROCHEDALE)
REDCLIFFE & CABOOLTURE
Grace Academy (ROTHWELL)
Grace Lutheran College - Caboolture Campus (CABOOLTURE)
Grace Lutheran College - Rothwell Campus (ROTHWELL)
Grace Lutheran Primary School (CLONTARF)
Living Faith Lutheran Primary School (MURRUMBA DOWNS)
St Pauls Lutheran Primary School (CABOOLTURE)
TOOWOOMBA
Concordia Lutheran College - Hume Street Campus (TOOWOOMBA)
Concordia Lutheran College - Stephen Street Campus (TOOWOOMBA)
Concordia Lutheran College - Warwick Street Campus (TOOWOOMBA)
Ironbark Outdoor Education (CROWS NEST)
SPRINGFIELD
St Peter's Lutheran College - Springfield Campus (SPRINGFIELD CENTRAL)
SUNSHINE COAST
Good Shepherd Lutheran College (NOOSAVILLE)
Immanuel Lutheran College (BUDERIM)
Pacific Lutheran College (MERIDAN PLAINS)
WIDE BAY
Googa Outdoor Education (BLACKBUTT)
Mount Binga Outdoor Education (GOOGA CREEK)
St James Lutheran College (PIALBA)
St John's Lutheran Primary School (BUNDABERG)
St John's Lutheran School (KINGAROY)
