IEU women need their safety to be taken seriously
In written responses to the Victorian Catholic school survey, members called for improved support for women in the workforce.
This included access to reproductive leave aligned with Queensland provisions, as well as leave and support for perimenopause and menopause. Members highlighted that return-towork arrangements following parental leave are often poorly supported – citing the absence of lactation rooms and unfair workloads.
They suggested that staff wellbeing would benefit from one flexible or mental health day per term, formal recognition of excessive hours during events such as 12hour parent-teacher interviews, and real caps on daily working hours.
The survey’s invaluable insights will shape the union’s work. We thank all members who contributed their views.
Gender-based undervaluation
On 16 April 2025, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) handed down its initial decision in the Gender-Based Undervaluation – Priority Awards Review, proposing significant wage increases for workers in five female-dominated industries.
This includes a 14.1% increase for pharmacists and provisional increases of up to 35% for health professionals such as dental assistants and pathology collectors.
While these changes apply specifically to Awards outside of education, the decision is a landmark acknowledgment of how gender-based undervaluation has long suppressed wages in female-dominated sectors.
For IEU members – particularly women in support and administrative roles – this sets a powerful precedent. It opens the door for future wage reviews and strengthens the union’s case for fairer pay and recognition of work historically undervalued because of gender.
The IEU will continue to advocate for members whose work has been overlooked and underpaid, and encourages all members to stay informed and engaged as this important conversation develops.
As ACTU President Michele O’Neil said, ‘For too long, jobs where the majority of workers are women have been paid less. Discounting women’s work has contributed to the gender pay gap and worsened cost-of-living pressures for households.
‘This ruling is only possible because working women in their unions campaigned for stronger laws to lift wages in undervalued sectors …
‘Unions know there is still much work to do to achieve gender equality. We will campaign to protect the laws that have paved the way for these lifechanging pay rises.’
Tackling gendered violence at work: WRAW Chats in schools
Work-related gender-based violence is a serious occupational health and safety risk that can affect anyone – particularly those targeted because of their gender, sexuality, or non-conformity to gender norms. It causes significant physical and psychological harm – but, importantly, it can be prevented. Thanks to the efforts of union women, gendered violence is now formally recognised as a workplace safety issue. Building on this, the IEU is supporting female staff in schools to come together, share experiences, and develop collective strategies to improve safety for women.
What’s a WRAW Chat?
WRAW (Women’s Rights at Work) Chats are structured group discussions designed to identify issues affecting women in the workplace.
Using a simple, activity-based kit, these sessions help staff:
Create a shared agenda for change, and
Propose practical actions to make schools safer and more equitable for women.
Save the date: The 2025 WRAW Conference will be held 22 August at Trades Hall, Carlton. This is the best opportunity you’ll have all year to share notes and gather inspiration.
Respectful Relationships Education (RRE)
Our Watch – a national organisation dedicated to preventing violence against women and their children – is leading a campaign to introduce respectful relationships education in every school.
Our Watch argues that the education system must address gender inequality, emotional regulation, harassment awareness, and consent education.
They are advocating for the expansion of the RRE program in Victoria, and state that changes to school policies, structures, and environments are needed to prevent gender-based violence.
RRE is crucial, they say, because it addresses ‘disrespect, rigid gender stereotypes and sexism’– root causes of violence.
‘By embedding respectful relationships education into Australian schools, we can significantly increase the chances of a violence-free future for our children.
‘Respectful relationships education strengthens a school’s understanding of how and why violence occurs, how it can be identified, and ultimately, how it can be prevented.’
Our Watch maintains that violence against women and girls is preventable and that ‘education is the most powerful lever we have to create a safer and happier future for all children’.
It’s For Every Body campaign
It’s For Every Body is an Australian unions campaign to win paid reproductive leave and flexibility entitlements for all workers. The campaign recognises that many of these health issues can take a serious physical and mental toll on workers and can inhibit their ability to work.
Introducing paid reproductive leave and eligibility for flexibility entitlements on reproductive health grounds will help address the stigma around reproductive health issues.
Click here for a Campaign Bargaining Kit and Delegates Guide from Trades Hall.