“What are the bosses scared of?”: IEU members on the SIA campaign
When asked about the campaign for an SIA in Victorian Catholic education, IEU stalwarts from very different cohorts and regions concurred on one thing: how disappointing it is to work for an employer that treats their staff with such a lack of respect.
The IEU’s SIA campaign is a fight for fairness
This has been an extraordinary year for our union – marked by an unprecedented attempt by the Victorian Catholic employers to go behind our backs to land a ‘deal’ before negotiations on a new multi-employer Agreement could even begin.
Protect staff first – IEU backs tougher safety measures
The IEU is backing stronger School Community Safety Orders (SCSOs) and urging employers to act with urgency to counter increasing threats to staff safety.
Big MACS majority win boosts SIA campaign
The IEU Victoria Tasmania has secured majority support for its Single Interest Authorisation application across the sector’s largest employer, Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), marking another major milestone in the campaign for full bargaining rights in Victorian Catholic education.
Speaking truth to power: IEU voices heard at national Roundtable
Lauren Hall, IEU Rep and Deputy President of the Catholic Secondary Council, has informed national policymakers about the realities of school life at the National Teacher Workforce Roundtable in Canberra.
Resisting surveillance: an OHS necessity in schools
AI is making workplace surveillance cheaper, faster, and more intrusive, posing a significant threat to workers’ privacy. This concern was highlighted at the annual Victorian Trades Hall Council HSR Conference on 28 October.
Momentum builds as IEU members drive fair bargaining in Catholic schools
Bargaining under an SIA is now the only realistic path forward, so sign a Statement of Support (SOS) so that negotiations can proceed with full and fair bargaining rights for staff.
What the IEU’s SIA application means for you: next steps in the fight for fair bargaining
The IEU has lodged a Single Interest Authorisation (SIA) application with the Fair Work Commission (FWC). It’s a big moment, but it’s important to realise it’s not the finish line in the fight for fair bargaining in Victorian Catholic education.
IEU applies to the Fair Work Commission for a Single Interest Authorisation
History is in the making: today the IEU has applied to the Fair Work Commission for a Single Interest Authorisation (SIA) for bargaining in the Victorian Catholic education sector after an outstanding response to the union’s campaign for fair bargaining rights.
VCEA’s “staff survey” fails the test of genuine consultation
The VCEA’s “survey” is a campaign pitch: it touts a $1,500 bonus, hides cuts, offers no anonymity or independent oversight ̶ yet employers plan to use it to seek a Fair Work Commission voting order.
Translating Mr Merlino’s spin on so-called “offer” to Victorian Catholic school staff
James Merlino, former politician and now chair of the Victorian Catholic Education Authority, has urged staff to support a short-term bribe at the expense of real pay rises and improved conditions.
Mythbusting VCEA misinformation
Before bargaining has officially commenced, we are seeing an unprecedented spread of misinformation.
What is fair bargaining in Australia?
Employers must sit down in good faith, hear workers’ claims, respond properly, and treat unions as genuine representatives - not try to bypass or silence them.
IEU hits back at union-busting tactics from Victorian Catholic employers
The IEU has written to the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA), warning that Catholic school employers are breaking the Fair Work Act by obstructing the rights of Sub-Branch Reps.
Victorian Catholic school staff should say no to the VCEA’s so-called “offer”
On 17 October, we urge you to reject the employer “offer” in its survey. Demand fair bargaining, a real pay rise in line with national standards, and the retention of essential conditions and tell your employer that you want a single interest authorisation (SIA).
Anger grows as Catholic education employers push rushed “offer”
Educators in Victorian Catholic schools are not merely underwhelmed by their employers’ so-called “offer” ̶ they are appalled.
Thousands sign statements of support as the IEU’s SIA campaign intensifies
The IEU is in the middle of an unprecedented ‘call blitz’, reaching thousands of staff in Victorian Catholic schools to secure support for a Single Interest Authorisation (SIA) application.
Ignore the Catholic employer “offer”, stand firm, and sign up for an SIA!
Employers have suddenly announced a so-called “first and final offer” — a move aimed at bypassing the IEU and avoiding genuine bargaining with staff.
The IEU’s SIA campaign takes effect: employers table inadequate “offer” as union momentum builds
Victorian Catholic school employers, represented by the VCEA, have written to all staff announcing a purported “Enterprise Bargaining Offer” ahead of negotiations for a new four-year agreement.
Why the IEU supports Myka Sanders in landmark discrimination case
IEU General Secretary David Brear says the union is backing non-binary educator Myka Sanders against their religious employer because Australia needs stronger anti-discrimination protections.