Peninsula Grammar’s treatment of stood-down staff slammed as ‘shocking’
Peninsula Grammar’s decision to stand down staff and then order workers to seek permission before gaining other work has been described as “truly shocking”.
Education
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A private school that stood down staff has ordered them to seek permission before they can gain other work in a move described as “truly shocking”.
Peninsula Grammar has been slammed by the Independent Education Union after standing down a series of workers over the coronavirus pandemic.
Staff have also been hit with higher school fees for their children that attend the campus, after their discount was slashed.
Independent Education Union general secretary Deb James said “the actions of this school in these circumstances are truly shocking”.
“Most independent schools in Victoria have found ways to support all of their staff by keeping them employed whereas this employer has stood staff down, increased fees and set about trying to force people with no income to go cap in hand to the principal asking his permission to make a dollar elsewhere,” she said.
But principal Stuart Johnston told the Herald Sun there was “no current dispute between the IEU and the School in respect to stand downs”.
“Any staff member who is stood down remains an employee of the School,” he wrote in an email.
“If they wish to work elsewhere they must seek the School’s consent. That is same with any employer. We would not unreasonably withhold that consent.”
Mr Johnston said some staff on “substantial fee remission” had been asked to “assist the School in the spirit of equity with our parents to reduce their remission for a short time”.
It’s understood grounds and maintenance workers, learning support and early learning centre staff have been stood down, with others ordered to take leave.
Peninsula Grammar teachers and support workers passed a motion condemning the school’s actions, calling for the reinstatement of staff stood down and of the fee discount.
It’s understood staff intend to circulate a petition to launch an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement — Peninsula Grammar currently does not have an EBA.
The IEU claimed that staff at the school had complained about the school’s culture in regard to employees, with many allegedly afraid to challenge decision making over concern for retribution.
Peninsula Grammar had told parents impacted financially by the coronavirus that applications for fee relief would be determined by proving hardship with bank statements, tax returns and information on the type of car they drive.
A form sent to families questioned whether grandparents can chip in for fees, asked over the make and model of their cars, property and mortgage costs and government payments.
Other independent schools that stood down staff, including Haileybury and Ballarat Clarendon College, have now come to agreement after action was taken in the Fair Work Commission.
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