Subject: Catholic bargaining update: we cannot be left behind 

Dear colleague, 

As the IEU Rep in our workplace, I’m writing with an important update about the campaign for a new Victorian Catholic Agreement. 

We are at a critical point. 

Government sector negotiations have moved quickly, with AEU members suspending planned stop-work action after reporting strong progress towards a deal. 

That is significant for all of us in Catholic education – teachers, support staff and school leaders. 

It shows what can happen when union members have access to real bargaining rights. It also raises a simple question for Catholic employers: will they move quickly too, or will they leave Catholic education staff waiting once again? 

They’ve chosen to do everything they can to delay our legal fight for a Single Interest Authorisation, which we are determined to continue because Catholic education staff deserve the same basic bargaining rights as other workers.  

But employers do not need to wait for that legal process before they bargain seriously. They can respond properly to members’ claims, meet regularly, stop hiding behind process and negotiate a fair Agreement now. 

There is a long history in our sector of employers making staff wait many months — even years — after government sector deals are finalised. Last time around, most Victorian Catholic staff had to wait a full year before a new deal was reached. 

We cannot allow that same old story to repeat. 

This matters to everyone in our workplace. The next Agreement will shape our salaries, workloads, wellbeing, working conditions and the way our work is valued. 

IEU members are continuing the campaign through actions such as Wear it Black Fridays and upcoming visible activities, including a planned Day of Action on 29 May. These actions show employers that staff are united, organised and not prepared to be left behind. 

If you are already an IEU member, please get behind the campaign. Wear black on Fridays, take part in workplace activities where you can, read IEU updates, talk with colleagues and encourage non-members to join. 

If you are not yet an IEU member, now is the time to join at www.ieuvictas.org.au/join 

The improvements we win will not be handed down by employers. They will be won by union members standing together across Victorian Catholic education. 

Joining the IEU gives you support and protection at work, and means being part of the collective effort campaigning for better salaries, safer workloads, stronger conditions and a fair Agreement for all of us. 

IEU membership is open to nearly all staff in Victorian Catholic education, including teachers, support staff, school services officers and leadership. 

Please speak with me if you have any questions or want to get more involved. 

In unity, 

[Name] 
IEU Rep