Membership

We all need decent superannuation for a dignified retirement, and that means the employer needs to contribute fairly. Sadly, for most teachers across the ACT there is still a long way to go to secure even a moderately comfortable retirement and that’s why the AEU is campaigning hard to make sure you get it! With our collective strength we are tenaciously building improved superannuation arrangements for members.

Whether it’s class sizes, face-to-face hours, leave entitlements, professional development opportunities or managing the increasing challenge of occupational violence, the AEU is constantly campaigning to maintain and improve the conditions in your workplace.

As a member, you’re just a phone call away from experts who know your job, the rules and the system. Every day members across the ACT seek information, support and advice on various workplace matters including transfer, workload, occupational violence, performance management, probation arrangements, misconduct, leave entitlements, contracts and probation arrangements, just to name a few. Whatever the issue, as a member you have direct access to the information, advice and support that you need, when you need it.

Your representatives are constantly meeting with public servants and politicians to make sure they understand what it’s like in the classroom. You also have a voice in the media making sure the community understands the challenges we face and the great work we do.

We know new educators need all the support they can get in meeting the demands of the classroom in their early years, and that’s why AEU members have access to our New Educator Network. This network provides great opportunities for new educators to come together and learn in an informal and supportive environment as they develop their teaching practice.

To empower, protect and guide members at work, there are established democratic AEU structures and committees across our workplaces. These structures provide forums and mechanisms for members to come together and address workplace issues with the full support and resources available to them from the union office. If you ever run into trouble at work as an individual or as a group, your union is there for you and we stick by each other.

The employer does not provide you with journey cover to and from work. As an AEU member, you’re automatically covered. If you are injured travelling to or from work or professional learning events, you are eligible for income protection under our policy.

With the collective buying power of union members across Australia, you get great deals on electrical products, travel services, cars, computers, phones and more.

AEU membership makes you eligible to join Teachers Health Fund, the national not-for-profit health fund designed exclusively for education union members and their families. If you desire private health insurance, this is the one to check out first.

You’re part of a democratic organisation in which you have a say. You choose who you feel best represents your interests in your workplace, or you can become a representative yourself.

AEU membership costs less than 1% of your salary (for most members, 0.85% of your salary plus GST), and that’s tax deductible. Your union is a not-for-profit organisation and your fees go to the benefit of all members.