Teachers need union to be open and accountable on serious matters

Twice we've asked them to bring their classrooms into their homes. The place that was their sanctuary became their workplace and their spouses' workplace and their own kids' classrooms.

Now school has resumed, teachers are on the front line of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks in our unvaccinated population.

They're the ones ensuring children are staying in their cohorts and watching for any symptoms of the virus in schools across the territory.

They're relieved to be back in the classroom doing the job they signed up for but they're also fatigued and stressed.

They deserve the very best representation to ensure the realities on the ground make it to the Education Minister's office.

This has been lacking in recent times as the Australian Education Union ACT branch has been hit by allegations against its former secretary.

In March, forthright union secretary Glenn Fowler was placed on indefinite leave.

In October, the members found out Mr Fowler had been charged under the rules of the union. The nature of the allegations have not been made public.

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The branch enjoys a strong membership of roughly 4300 teachers, support staff and CIT employees.

They pay membership fees to the union in the hope it will back them in during hard times.

The abrupt change in leadership this year without a clear explanation would have teachers around the territory scratching their heads.

Mr Fowler has been critical of the delays in dealing with the complaints and has called into question procedural fairness.

The complainants and the general members also have a right to know this matter will be dealt with in a swift manner.

Amid the turmoil, the branch has been doing important work surveying teachers on their needs.

The allegations need to be dealt with to restore teachers' confidence in their union.

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