The IEU’s SIA campaign takes effect: employers table inadequate “offer” as union momentum builds

Victorian Catholic school employers, represented by the VCEA, have written to all staff announcing a purported “Enterprise Bargaining Offer” ahead of negotiations for a new four-year agreement.

The IEU has strongly rejected the move, describing the proposed 7% pay rise as “nowhere near adequate.” The union says the offer would leave Victorian Catholic employees well behind their colleagues in New South Wales, entrenching sub-standard wages and worsening the workforce shortage already facing schools.

Offer fails to address staff concerns

The IEU also criticised the proposal for failing to address key issues repeatedly raised by members, including staff safety, excessive workloads, exhaustion and abuse.
“No school system can claim to be an employer of choice in 2025 without meaningfully tackling these issues,” said IEU General Secretary.

Context: Momentum for Bargaining Rights

The union believes the employers’ sudden move is a direct response to the growing momentum of its Single Interest Authorisation (SIA) campaign, which seeks to secure fair bargaining rights for Victorian Catholic school staff.

Unlike colleagues in other states and territories, Victorian Catholic employees currently lack access to good faith bargaining orders and the right to apply for protected industrial action. Despite repeated requests, employers have refused to apply for an SIA, leaving staff without basic bargaining leverage.

“Across the rest of Australia, education workers enjoy these rights. Victorian Catholic staff deserve no less,” Brear said.

Union Campaign Gathers Strength

The IEU’s Log of Claims, endorsed by members last month, sets out clear priorities including pay, workload, and staff welfare. The union says it has been ready to commence negotiations as soon as an SIA is in place, but instead employers have attempted “an aggressive move to coerce staff into accepting less than they deserve.”

The union experienced a torrent of Statements of Support (SOS) being signed daily by staff across schools. Each signature strengthens the case for an SIA application to the Fair Work Commission.

Call to Action

The IEU urged members to keep the momentum going:
“Your efforts are working. Every signature brings us closer to winning fair bargaining, fair pay rises, and genuine action on workload and safety. Our campaign is already delivering results – stay strong, stay united, and together we can make Victorian Catholic education the best it can be.”