STRIKE! Overnewton bargaining dispute hits the streets
Around 200 IEU members at Overnewton Anglican Community College took half-day stop-work action on Thursday afternoon, in a colourful and energetic protest against the school’s current bargaining position – which would see salaries fall thousands of dollars behind rates paid in government schools while doing little to address members’ workload concerns.
Protected industrial action kicking off tomorrow at Overnewton Anglican Community College
IEU members at Overnewton Anglican Community College have voted overwhelmingly to approve all forms of protected industrial action, in pursuit of a fair Agreement.
IEU General Secretary David Brear: Hold the line for a stronger deal
For IEU members in Victorian Catholic education, the priority remains clear: winning a strong new Agreement that properly recognises their work and protects the conditions they have fought hard to secure.
Overnewton wage dispute a sign of the times
IEU members at Overnewton Anglican Community College have rejected a pay deal they say risks eroding the College’s historic wage differential, highlighting the growing pressure on independent schools to match the significant wage increases won by AEU members in Victorian government education.
Stepping up: The challenges and rewards of being an IEU Bargaining Rep
The role is complex and demanding, yet many who take it on find it to be among the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of their career.
Independent bargaining round up: Members step up across the sector
From improvements to paid parental leave to authorised protected industrial action, it’s all happening in our fastest growing sector.
IEU independent schools: Saying Yes to voting No
Across the independent school sector, staff are increasingly willing to reject proposed enterprise Agreements that do not meet their expectations.
IEU members step up at Lauriston
IEU members at Lauriston Girl’s School have taken unprecedented stop work action as part of their campaign for pay rises in a new Agreement.
IEU wage campaign at Lauriston receives mainstream media coverage
Melbourne’s mainstream media outlets have reported on IEU members at Lauriston Girls School rejecting an employer wage offer and taking industrial action
Lauriston IEU members vote for action to secure a fair deal
IEU members at Lauriston Girls’ School have overwhelmingly endorsed all 15 options for industrial action offered in a Protected Action Ballot, sending a clear message to their employer that they will not accept its sub-standard offer.
‘No’ vote led by concern for ES staff pay at Gippsland Grammar School
Staff at independent school Gippsland Grammar Staff have rejected a proposed Agreement that they didn’t feel rewarded vital education support colleagues adequately.
Lauriston Girls’ School - Two critical votes in the next 7 days
Over the next week, all staff and IEU members will be asked to take two important steps in our campaign for a fair Agreement at Lauriston Girls’ School.
How IEU bargaining differs between Independent and Catholic schools
Enterprise bargaining is one of the most important tools for IEU members to secure fair pay, manageable workloads, and professional respect.
IEU Term 1 independent bargaining round up: Off and running
Bargaining across independent schools in 2026 has already secured major salary, leave, and workload gains, with Agreement approvals across Victoria and Tasmania improving conditions for teachers and general staff alike.
Our big week in the south
The IEU was particularly active in Tasmania this week, endorsing the Catholic sector Log of Claims and providing training for Independent and Catholic Reps.
Independent school snapshot: Fernbrook School, Mount Dandenong
Fernbrook School is situated on Wurundjeri land in The Basin at the foot of Mount Dandenong, set on 20 acres of magnificent dense bushland. It “facilitates student-led learning” across four multi-age classes – from Prep to Year 10.
Year in review, 2025: Independent schools
Staff are more willing to act, employers are feeling pressure to offer competitive salaries, and the IEU is advancing new standards for professional recognition and workload protection.
Friends’ School rejects events with weapons links
The Friends’ School has acted according to its principles by withdrawing from two events that list weapons manufacturers as major sponsors.
Bargaining wins set the new industry standard in independent schools
With every win, IEU members raise standards that can’t be ignored. Independent educators are keeping pace with, and in some cases exceeding, gains made in the government and Catholic sectors.
2025 IEU independent school bargaining round up
More members across more schools are empowered, skilled up, and ready to fight for decent deals, leading to a glut of strong outcomes.