FAQ's
You have questions? We have answers.
About TPAWA
-
Why did TPAWA start?
To give members a choice of representation. Teachers, have the ability to join an association that's truly independent, not one selected by the Government or your employer.
-
Who can join?
-
All Teachers, including Senior Teachers, Head of Departments and Executive Principals can join.
Membership fees do not differ based on your role, only depending on the amount of hours you work a fortnight (see our membership options).
-
-
What is a union really?
TPAWA was a trade union and was fighting to be a trade union in the courts until the Queensland Government corruptly changed the law. This meant that we needed to restructure and become a company limited by guarantee (by becoming a federal non-for-profit organisation).
Although this change meant that we had to drop the title of "trade union", we still offer almost exactly the same (and we believe better) services to competitor trade unions. TPAWA fights for members in the media and guarantees the legal protection (representation in the Fair Work Commission, Human Rights Commission etc), professional indemnity insurance, Professional Development (optional), enterprise bargaining and more that you expect!Read more about our new structure here.
We pride ourselves on being run by teachers, not union officials or bureaucrats and will never donate any of your money to politicians or their parties.
For protection without the politics, join TPAWA instead of a trade union.
Services
-
What legal support is available?
Our expert industrial advocate and legal support team are considered to be some of Australia's best. We guarantee expert legal support to ensure you're represented for a variety of workplace issues including Enterprise Bargaining, pay disputes, internal disputes, bullying and more. Most importantly, we guarantee a resolution of your issue.
-
Enterprise/Agreement Bargaining
We guarantee strong advocacy on workplace policy, procedures and system changes. Under Federal Law, you are entitled to appoint one of our TPAWA representatives to the bargaining table to negotiate your Enterprise Agreement.
If you have an Enterprise Agreement that you would like us to bargain for you, please check the "Enterprise Bargaining Representation Request" section of your member dashboard. Once there, please check our list of Agreements we're currently negotiating and appoint us as your bargaining agent or complete the representation request form.
Fees and Payments
-
Will my membership fees be used for party political campaigns or fighting funds?
No and No. That’s how our membership fees are able to remain so competitive.
-
Is my membership tax deductible?
Yes, your tax invoice/statement is emailed following each payment and can be downloaded from the billing portal in your member dashboard.
-
How do I resign from TPAWA?
Please note, we are unable to accept resignations over the phone because we are unable to verify your identity. Therefore, your resignation must be in writing.
Please head to your member dashboard, complete the membership change request form and one of our friendly staff will help process your cancellation.
Member Disputes
-
What if I have an issue with another TPAWA member?
We pride ourselves on being able to provide quality member-to-member dispute representation, a membership perk often not found with our competitors.
We provide both parties to a dispute with quality representation. If necessary, we also refer matters to third-party legal representatives to ensure the privacy of each member is protected.