An industrial advocate you can trust.
Industrial Relations 101
At the PFWA, consistent with industrial relations ‘101’, we are concerned with matters such as your salaries, classification, entitlements, protections, contracts of employment and amongst other matters, the manner in which you are assessed and the consequences thereof. Further, your access to industrial and/or legal advice, advocacy and support in relation to matters of discipline, conflict resolution, conflict of interest, complaints and/ or performance.
Industrial Relations 102
Industrial matters arising from the management and implementation of one’s professional role. Specifically as a function of the Principal Class Employee interpreting and performing their accountabilities and obligations as defined by their contract of employment; the operation of industrial agreements, Ministerial Orders and the changing compliance environment determined by legislation, regulations and policy.
We are here to support and offer advice to all members at any time. With that in mind, we are pleased to have experienced principal, Laurie Longworth join our team in 2025:
‘I am enthusiastic about joining the PFWA team in 2025!
My role will include providing advice, advocacy and support for members while broadening the membership base. I will also be strategically coordinating the PFWA’s administrative systems to create efficiencies and to benefit the membership experience, while further developing relationships with existing and potential corporate partners. I will continue to represent PFWA on industrial committees and matters, including the implementation of the current EBA and preparing for the next EBA.
It is a privilege to be working for the PFWA at a time when the Federation has a genuine opportunity to stride forward in gaining improved salary and conditions for the Principal Class, with a continued focus on the wellbeing of our members. I come to this position after twenty years of being a secondary principal, where I have first-hand experience in most situations that our principals and deputy principals face in the line of their work. If anyone had said to me that I’d be working for a union ten years ago, I would have probably said it was extremely unlikely. However, I got involved with the PFWA because I have seen over the years salaries decline in real terms, workloads increase almost exponentially, expectations from employer and community grow, aggression and violence towards leaders escalate all while the “fun” is going out of the role to some extent. I always say being a principal is the best job in education, but it also comes with a high cost. I will be doing whatever I can to support members to win the status they deserve and to navigate the complexities of their unique and vital role in schools and the community.
I look forward to the opportunity to come to network and collegiate meetings to listen to your concerns and to keep you informed.’