Education Support staff share their challenges and triumphs
IEU staff described the gathering as ‘a really lovely event that honoured our ES staff on their special day and acknowledged the essential work they do in schools every day’.
The event also sparked rich and impactful conversations about rights and entitlements in the workplace. Most attendees were Catholic school-based ES staff and SSOs, who voiced strong support for the growing campaign for better pay and conditions in their next Enterprise Agreement.
The IEU Organisers in attendance said they valued hearing members share what they love about their work, and the complexities and challenges they face.
‘It was great to hear their personal stories and reflections,’ one Organiser said. ‘Their commitment to supporting students, teachers and communities was clear – and so was the evolving nature of their roles. It’s vital they know their rights.’
Organisers shared how the union advocates for ES members and stressed that the IEU represents all non-teaching staff in non-government schools. They led a detailed session on key employment topics, including:
Fixed-term vs ongoing contracts
Break entitlements
Overtime and time in lieu
End-of-year arrangements and reportable conduct
OHS and duty of care
Flexible working arrangements
Classification audits.
An open forum explored how to build visibility and recognition for ES staff within schools and the union. Members called for stronger advocacy around meaningful workload consultation – including involvement in decisions about timetables, student allocations and duties – recognising their experience and contribution to learning continuity.
They also urged greater inclusion in school planning, professional learning, and union activities to support professional identity. One of the most engaging discussions focused on duty of care and employer obligations, especially in relation to ES and student supervision.
Catholic school members also shared their top EBA priorities:
Salary increases
Updated classification descriptors
A simpler, fairer reclassification process.
The night ended with a celebratory raffle. True to union spirit, everyone went home with either an IEU scarf or mug. As this event showed, when ES staff come together, they make their voices count – sharing their knowledge, experience and commitment to better working lives for all.