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.

Approved – Victoria

The Melbourne Girls’ Grammar School Agreement was approved by the FWC in January, with 63% of 92 staff voting in favour after eight months of bargaining. Key gains include 3.5% salary increases in 2026, 3% in 2027 and 2028, 17 hours face-to-face for secondary, reduced hours for Junior School (21) and ELC (26.5), 5 days personal leave upfront, 3 days special leave, 17 weeks paid parental leave, 15.2 hours prenatal leave, a $120 camp allowance, updated positions of responsibility, Flexible Working and Right to Disconnect references, 3 days Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leave, and expanded delegates’ rights. Remaining concerns include delayed superannuation on parental leave and no increase in general staff annual leave.

The FWC approved the St Michael’s Grammar School Agreement in January. Music Tutors have been included in the Agreement for the first time, cultural and ceremonial leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples was included, long service leave was agreed at 1.3 weeks per year of service, flexible leave was included as an additional 2 days of paid leave, and 4 weeks of paid partner leave was gained. Salaries increased between 2.7% and 3% from 1 January 2026.

The Firbank Grammar School Agreement, approved by the FWC in February, increased paid parental leave from 14 to 16 weeks, partner leave to 2 weeks, added 10 hours prenatal leave, 2 discretionary leave days, and doubled family and domestic violence leave to 20 days. Salaries rose 4.25% for top-of-scale teachers and 3% for all others, maintaining a gap between 10- and 11-year teachers.

The Presbyterian Ladies’ College (Teachers) Agreement, awaiting FWC approval, was endorsed by 96% of teachers. Key outcomes include 18–20 weeks paid parental leave, 20 days partner leave, personal leave credited at the year’s start, a $150 per night camp allowance with time in lieu, 18–19 weekly face-to-face hours, delegates’ rights, a one-hour meeting cap, a 30–45 minute yard duty limit, and professional practice time for counsellors. Salaries increase 11.25% over three years.

The Presbyterian Ladies’ College (General Staff) Agreement, also awaiting FWC approval, was strongly endorsed with a 98% Yes vote. It secures the same salary increase, 5 weeks annual leave plus 5 ex gratia days, the right to work from home when operationally feasible, personal leave credited at the start of the year, parental leave matching teachers, camp provisions with overtime, and a commitment to consult with Boarding House staff.

After an initial No vote, the Melbourne Montessori School Agreement was approved by the FWC in February. Leadership and enrolment changes led members to negotiate a shorter Agreement and align Assistants’ salaries with VGSA rates.

A strong Yes vote at Bialik College sees its Agreement at the FWC for approval. Salaries will rise 5% in 2026, 4% in 2027, and 4% in 2028, maintaining a 4% premium on VGSA rates. ELC teaching loads are capped at 25 hours per week, class sizes limited to 25, with an additional $3,000 for classes of 26–30, and parental leave increased to 16 or 20 weeks depending on service.

The FWC approved the St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox College Agreement in January. Gains include minimum 3.5% salary increases, reduced scheduled class time, improved personal leave access, and time in lieu for camps.

At the table – Victoria

Members at St Leonard’s College are reviewing the employer’s second wage offer as bargaining nears completion, with key issues including time allowances, training days, and flexible leave wording.

At NECA Education and Careers, members are preparing for their second bargaining round and developing a Log of Claims.

At Prace College, after a significant increase in union membership, the school agreed to pursue its first Enterprise Agreement, with bargaining commencing in February.

Bargaining at Lauriston Girls’ Grammar School has stalled. The employer offered 3% annual increases and minor changes, while the IEU is seeking higher pay and improved parental leave provisions. Members are considering next steps, including a No vote or protected action ballot.

At Hester Hornbrook Academy, bargaining has been deferred, with members endorsing an MOU granting a 4% pay increase pending VGSA outcomes.

Bargaining at Northside Christian College remains difficult, with the employer rejecting claims and insisting on a lifestyle clause. The sub-branch is rebuilding membership following staff turnover.

Members at Highview College have accepted an MOU for a 3% pay increase and deferred bargaining until the VGSA outcome is known.

At Aitken College, staff voted No to a proposed Agreement despite several gains, including improved leave and conditions. Members have returned to bargaining seeking further improvements.

The Fernbrook School Agreement is progressing, with many claims agreed in principle, including leave provisions, delegates’ rights, and long service leave improvements.

Members at The King David School endorsed an MOU providing a 3% salary increase and deferring further bargaining.

Bargaining continues at East Preston Islamic College, where members rejected a 2% pay offer and are seeking alignment with VGSA rates.

At Geelong College, negotiations continue, with members seeking improved pay and stronger Agreement provisions rather than policy-based conditions.

Bargaining at Geelong Grammar School is being prepared, with an interim pay increase in place and claims under development.

At Cornish College, bargaining has not recommenced, though proposals include salary increases, improved leave, and better camp allowances.

Bargaining at Gippsland Grammar is nearing completion, with an improved pay offer under review and several conditions already agreed.

Approved – Tasmania

The FWC approved The Hutchins School (Teachers) Agreement in January, with 90% support. Gains include family and domestic violence leave, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leave, and annual salary increases.

At the table – Tasmania

The proposed Seventh Day Adventists Teachers Agreement is in extended drafting, with salary increases and a range of improved conditions agreed. A vote is expected soon.

Bargaining continues at Tarremah Steiner School, where members are focused on fair salary increases, improved parental leave, and new provisions including reproductive leave, alongside mechanisms to ensure salaries keep pace with the government sector.