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.

Teachers and Education Support staff at the large, well-established school in Melbourne’s north-west have overwhelmingly rejected a proposed 14 per cent pay increase over three years, prompting the IEU to apply to the Fair Work Commission for a Protected Action Ballot Order.

After the order was granted on 18 August, members were asked to authorise a range of protected industrial actions, including targeted work bans and limitations, and stop-work action.

Negotiations for a replacement Agreement have been underway for more than six months, with the College making just one wage offer: 5 per cent from February 2026, 5 per cent from February 2027 and 4 per cent from February 2028.

Members say the issue is not simply the size of the pay increase, but whether OACC can continue to attract and retain experienced staff by offering wages and conditions that remain competitive across the Victorian education sector.

Historically, OACC employees have been paid above comparable Victorian governmentschool rates. Members are concerned the current proposal would erode that advantage following the endorsement of the Victorian Government Schools Agreement by Australian Education Union members.

A growing trend

The dispute highlights the challenge for independent schools competing with government and Catholic schools for qualified staff: will they keep pace with government-sector wages to attract and retain the experienced workforce they need?

IEU General Secretary David Brear says the Victorian Government Schools Agreement has “reset the benchmark for teacher and Education Support staff wages across the state”.

“When government school wages rise, independent schools that have traditionally relied on competitive salaries must ensure their own pay and conditions keep pace or risk losing experienced staff.

“Independent schools ask their teachers and education support staff to deliver an outstanding education and often compete strongly for enrolments. They need to recognise that the people delivering that education are their greatest asset, and fair, competitive wages are essential to attracting and retaining them.

“The strong response from Overnewton staff reflects a broader growth in active unionism across the independent sector in Victoria and Tasmania. Staff are increasingly prepared to stand up for fair pay and conditions, and the union will support them in doing so.”