IEU highlights housing crisis for workers
IEU members joined workers from across Australia at the ACTU Housing Summit in Canberra in August to share their experiences of the housing crisis.
They spoke about the rising housing costs and limited availability facing teachers, school leaders and support staff.
Supporting the summit earlier this year, IEU Deputy General Secretary Kylie Busk said: ‘Housing stressors impact all aspects of educators’ lives, including their work. That affects the learning environment for students.’
Federal Secretary Brad Hayes said, ‘relying on private, profit-driven development alone has failed to deliver enough affordable housing’.
‘Housing for essential workers should never be treated as a special privilege. It is fundamental to strong communities, quality education and the delivery of vital public services.’
Housing costs and rising rents have become the most significant cost-of-living pressure for working Australians. While average wages have increased by around 17 per cent over the past five years, rents have risen by 23 per cent and house prices by 43 per cent.
Unsustainable commutes and second jobs
Many IEU members are being priced out of the communities where they teach and serve, forcing them into costly, lengthy commutes to remain in their jobs.
Some are also taking second jobs on weekends to meet housing costs despite already holding demanding jobs. These pressures increase workloads, reduce quality of life and contribute to burnout.
The crisis is even more acute in rural and remote communities, where limited housing makes it difficult to attract and retain staff.
Members renting also reported sub-standard homes and insecure tenure.
Union priorities
The union movement is calling for urgent action in three key areas:
Increased investment in public housing as essential infrastructure for essential workers
Stronger, enforceable rights and standards for renters
Reform of tax settings that have undermined housing affordability.
