My time on Executive

[marko vojkovic]

I've got to be careful here so please excuse the OBE style language.

Essentially, life on Executive is an exercise in frustration. It has got to the point now where if I say black, she-who-must-be-obeyed says white without thinking. Add to that the usual tactics of stalling, wasting time, talking non stop about meaningless issues, reading things out which we have already read ourselves just to waste time and never using one word when you can use 1000.

Without mentioning specific issues, I can report that there is a definite reluctance to take DET on on anything. This is even more pronounced when we have a really good chance of winning! I shake my head in disbelief when I hear the pathetic 'what if?' arguments put forward to justify our total lack of gumption. It's no wonder teaching is in the state it is. 15 years of cringe.

MF are trying to deliver a better Union and I really must take my hat off to the other guys who have had to put up with this for almost two years.

Just thought I'd pop in for a quick chat. Hope I didn't bore you. See you all at the Quiz Night June 5th.

Cheers,

Marko

[Primary Teacher2]

Thanks for the report Marko.  One has to wonder though, why have the MF reps "put up with it for two years" ?   Its hard to believe that nothing could be done except wait until the next election.

[peter george]

I for one support Marko for President of the SSTUWA. You have a choice between open accountable leadership devoid of political influence or stay with current set up. You have a choice between decisions being made as a team or stay with the current dictatorship. You have a choice between new , vibrant ideas or stay with the worn out ,tired current leader. You can go into the next EBA with proper campaign strategies and aims or remain anchored with the policy of one rah rah meeting and then going with a weak proposal.You have our last chance to stand up as a union before the majority of us are too old and decrepit to care anymore. It is time for a big broom to move through Adelaide Terrace starting in the main office. I want vibrancy, a change of direction, accountability. I want to get out of an air of lethargy. I want teachers to take charge of their destiny. I want a significant voice in my rights as a teacher. I want a proactive leader. I want to know that there is no clandestine agenda. I want to know that all the people from a new graduate to the president are on the same page. Unionism is a fantastic tool if used properly.

 I firmly believe the only person who can deliver on all fronts is Marko. I have met this man several times. He is passionate,knows our needs as unionists , has been in the workplace doing it tough, puts issues first and would be there for anyone who wanted assistance.

He is not some crazed fanatic who would go on strike at the drop of a hat.  He gets things done. This is who I want as the leader of our union.He is the only person who can lead us out of our present malaise.

Now get out there and spread the news. Marko for president.

[Smithers]

Dear Marko

Great to hear from you again!

Please continue to post and keep us informed about the machinations of the SSTUWA Executive.

Smithers

[Michael Findlay]

So Marko,

Who among the original MF candidates, elected to executive, has kept the faith?

[Gail Reed]

I've recently sat in on an Exec meeeting and seriously Marko is telling it how it is. However there is light at the end of the tunnel. MF have the advantage because they have the numbers. Even so it is difficult when we have Gisborne and Kelly deliberately failing to carry out majority decisions. They undermine MF at any given opportunity.  

There are many in the workplaces that believe that Gisborne is responsible for EBA 4. This is the danger we face.  We must all get behind this upcoming election 110% and speak to members.  We must tell members the truth.

Of particular concern is the way Ann Gisborne has marginalised the role of the Senior Vice President.  Pat Burke spoke at the picket despite Gisborne's refusal to allow this to happen. Good stuff Pat Burke.  Pat spoke from the heart in contrast to Gisborne.

Time to go the extra mile and leave nothing to chance.

[General public]

SSTUWA meetings - Sounds like the usual scenario in meetings. There is usually at least one power freak who wants to dumb down everyone else and have absolute power.

As with OBE do not give up. You fought and won. Change can happen but only if you NEVER EVER GIVE UP.

On another issue. I see the Queensland teachers are on strike and the teachers aides may come out with them?

[Smithers]

Very true GP. It's all so damned predictable, almost farcical.

The department here are getting very angry...they are telling 8000 principals to go to school and ensure that the kiddies are supervised during our strike; knowing full well they have no power to make such demands.

Anna Blight even said it would not be good leadership if principals didn't do this. The DG frowned and looked very stern when he addressed the media with similar messages.

Apparently they're getting a bit nervous about the lack of supervisory staff for next Tuesday and might be calling on EAs to do the job. Of course, their union said no way Jose.

The whole thing is a stage show, orchestrated by the Union, the department and the ALP so that it gives teachers some kind of fighting spirit (helping prepare them to accept the crap second offer) and it makes the premiere and the department look powerful.

The goal is to ensure that 45 000 public servants get the smallest possible pay rise without any politcal cost.

What a stupid society we live in.

Smithers