Single interest rejection signals delays as usual from Victorian Catholic employers

Victorian Catholic school staff, accustomed to their employers delaying agreement negotiations, had this reaffirmed in April when the union’s proposal for a Single Interest Authorisation (SIA) was rejected.

In early April, Catholic school staff in Victoria were informed by their employers that they would not agree to request an SIA, stating a preference for so-called “cooperative bargaining” — a process that, in reality, reinforces employer control and leaves staff with little negotiating power.

A SIA strengthens employees’ negotiating position by granting them rights afforded to the vast majority of other workers in Australia:

• The right to take protected industrial action if necessary
• The right to seek assistance from the Fair Work Commission (FWC) if talks break down

We were disappointed — but not surprised. We had hoped for better but were prepared for this outcome, and will be in touch with members shortly about our next steps.

The same old broken way of bargaining

When employers say bargaining has “always been done this way,” it’s worth being cautious. In Victoria, “business as usual” with these employers often means disunity, delay, and dysfunction, hindering the IEU’s ability to use critical industrial mechanisms on your behalf.

In contrast, Catholic school employers in every other Australian state have agreed to negotiate as a single interest. If Victorian employers were truly united, they would do so too.

While the IEU could apply for a SIA without employer agreement, the FWC cannot authorise it until the nominal expiry of the current Agreement, which runs until 31 December 2025. That’s a long and unnecessary delay, and unfortunately, it seems to be exactly what the employers are aiming for.