Across Victoria, IEU sub-branches grow the Catholic school campaign

18 Jun

A key benefit of the IEU’s new Member Services Unit (MSU) was on full display in Term 2, as Organisers visited an unprecedented number of schools, gathering member feedback and offering support.

The MSU was created in part to enable Organisers to focus on what they do best: engaging with members in the field and feeding their insights directly into union strategy. While MSU experts handle individual matters – from pay and leave enquiries to contractual and legal issues – Organisers have embraced the opportunity to concentrate on member liaison.

As the Victorian Catholic campaign gathered momentum, sub-branches shared clear and strong views on priorities for the new Agreement, particularly around measures to genuinely reduce workload and improve wellbeing.

At Avila College, Mount Waverley, Rep Fiona Wright says members are hoping for pay increases without any loss of conditions. ‘They want TIL reviewed and consideration of how Victorian teachers’ wages can reach parity with other states.’

She adds that many members are open to direct action but also see local conversations about the Agreement – with both members and non-members – as an effective way to contribute.

‘At Avila, we believe we have a responsibility to build on the significant, ground-breaking gains of those who came before us, while continuing to improve conditions for current and future teachers. Strength in numbers and voices!’

*Members get together at St Francis Xavier Primary School Corio.*

Meanwhile, at St Francis Xavier Primary School, Corio, Rep Bridgette Henderson is working to grow IEU membership density at her new workplace. Bridgette promotes the union by highlighting both the individual support it offers and the collective power it brings to bargaining.

She’s supported by Principal Maria Scala, an IEU member herself, who also encourages staff to join. This is another example of a school where union engagement strengthens both leadership and workers.

A connected, welcoming workplace benefits from an active sub-branch – raising concerns, informing leadership, and offering practical solutions – and from active interactions with union staff.