IEU sub-branch snapshot: St Joseph’s College, Newtown: Strong, growing, and organised

Staff turned out in force at a recent meeting with their IEU Rep to get up to speed on how the union’s campaign will unfold in the months ahead.

This is a strong and steadily growing sub-branch. Since the beginning of 2025, 11 new members have joined, bringing total membership to 115 – a testament to the collective commitment of staff and the leadership of their IEU representatives.

Much of this growth is thanks to the ‘active and engaged duo,’ Rep Lauren Hall and Assistant Rep Charlie Purdy.

As their IEU Organiser explains, ‘Both the Rep and Assistant Rep consistently share with staff the importance of union membership and work to empower their colleagues with a deeper understanding of workplace rights, collective strength, and the impact of union solidarity.’

Their work doesn’t stop at recruitment.

‘The sub-branch is actively advocating for members needing assistance, creating a supportive and empowered workplace culture,’ the Organiser adds.

Lauren and Charlie make it a priority to connect with all new staff and graduates, introducing them to the IEU and explaining its vital role in protecting and supporting education professionals.

They answer day-to-day questions, escalate concerns to the union when necessary, and stay in regular contact with their IEU Organiser to ensure their school community remains informed and supported.

Lauren Hall, a respected and longtime unionist, also serves on the IEU’s Committee of Management (COM). We spoke with her about the sub-branch and the campaign ahead.

What is the secret of your high union membership and engagement?

St Joseph’s is a great place to work – we have a really great Consultative Committee that achieves good outcomes for staff around workload, roles and supporting staff to have a work/life balance.

I think our staff value the work we do in advocating for these important things. Charlie and I try to be positive and visible Reps that staff know they can come to for advice, to vent, or to offer an idea.

Our numbers grow off the back of our subbranch members who have conversations with their colleagues about why being in the union is important.

What is the biggest priority of your members in this campaign?

Like most people, the cost of living is a huge issue facing our members, so pay rises are at the forefront. Second to pay is the right to flexible working arrangements. We have plenty of young parents and staff who are also caring for other family members, so the right to part-time and flexible working arrangements will also be a big priority.

What is the biggest challenge for you in your Rep roles?

We are both really busy teachers and so time is always a challenge. Where there are situations that arise and our support is needed, it can be quite taxing on us as Reps to ensure we are able to dedicate the time needed to support staff.

How do you balance your Rep work with your job?

Having the two of us is a huge help and we work well together to share the workload. It is also great to have another trained Rep to go to for help, advice or to bounce ideas off. We delegate tasks and having two of us means that staff can touch base with either of us.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a Rep?

I think being there for a colleague during a really difficult time – being able to offer advice, a sympathetic ear or help with a resolution is really satisfying. Our goal to make our school the best place to work. If our contributions can help make that happen, we find that worthwhile.