Independent Education Union joins UWU in signaling enterprise bargaining for ECEC

The Independent Education Union (IEU)  will join with the Australian Education Union (AEU), the United Workers Union (UWU) and more than  65 employers, and over 12,000 educators in every state & territory in lodging a joint application with the Fair Work Commission to negotiate a supported bargaining enterprise agreement covering employees in long day care (LDC) centres. 

 

Changes to the Fair Work Act will come into effect today, 6 June 2023. One of the most important changes is making it easier for unions to bargain for enterprise agreements (EAs) with a group of employers. Unions can also ask the funding body (in this case, the Federal Government) to be involved in the discussions.

 

Since late last year, the early childhood unions have been meeting to discuss these changes with early childhood education and care (ECEC) employers. The unions involved are the IEU, the AEU (representing teachers in Victoria) and UWU, representing educators. 

 

This group has also been in discussion with the Federal Government about funding improvements in rates of pay and conditions that flow from new EAs.

 

Application to be lodged

 

The unions will today lodge a joint application with the Fair Work Commission which will allow bargaining to commence for a supported bargaining enterprise agreement covering employees in LDC centres. At this stage, any agreement that is made can only apply to the nominated employers who have agreed to be part of the application. The IEU and the other unions will be advocating on behalf of employees through this process.

 

“Early childhood teachers and educators are some of the lowest paid workers in our community,” said Meredith Peace, AEU Victorian Branch President.

 

“Together, we are seeking a 25 per cent pay increase for early childhood teachers and educators working in ECEC services in recognition of their status as highly qualified professionals undertaking work that is essential to our community.

 

“For far too long, our economy has relied on the good will and dedication of underpaid and undervalued early childhood teachers and educators.This is a workforce that must be supported and must be offered fairer wages and better conditions.”

 

The actual content of the enterprise agreement that will be made pursuant to this process has not been agreed.

 

The IEU is urging teachers in the LDC sector in New South Wales and the ACT who are not yet part of a Union to join at this pivotal juncture, saying “it is important that you are represented in this process.”