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.
Strong SOS conversations power IEU’s Catholic campaign in Geelong
Thirteen Reps and members from Geelong Catholic schools met in late September to discuss the SIA Statement of Support campaign, highlighting the region’s role as a driving force in IEU activism.
All staff urged to sign a statement of support for fair bargaining
The IEU is urging all staff in Victorian Catholic education to sign a statement of support for its Single Interest Authorisation (SIA) application — a step essential to ensure fair bargaining for pay rises and urgent workplace improvements.
Statement of Support Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a new process and a technical one, but it’s amazing how quickly Victorian Catholic school staff are catching on to why an SIA SOS is needed ASAP!
IEU Council endorses Log of Claims, prepares for fight ahead
The IEU Victorian Catholic Council has formally endorsed the Log of Claims for a new Agreement, intensifying the push for a Single Interest Authorisation to ensure fair and effective bargaining.
IEU members bite into SIA campaign in Geelong
IEU members at St Joseph’s have demonstrated their hunger for fair bargaining in Victorian Catholic schools at an event in Geelong today.
Victorian Catholic schools campaign: We need a pay rise!
Victorian Catholic school salaries lag far behind the rest of the country, creating staffing crises as cost-of-living pressures grow.
History shows why power matters in Victorian Catholic school talks
In Term 1, 2023, The Point celebrated the new deal in Victorian Catholic schools, and the determined and persistent campaigning of members over the previous two years.
IEU calls on staff in Victorian Catholic schools: Sign. Organise. Win.
In Term 4, the IEU will be asking all staff in Victorian Catholic schools to officially endorse bargaining for a single interest Agreement.