IEU Victorian Catholic Campaign: Term of Action
It’s never been more important for members to get behind the campaigning for fair bargaining rights, fair wage rises and improvements to working conditions in Victorian Catholic education.
With employers delaying Fair Work Commission deliberations and bargaining, unity and collective action is crucial.
In Term 2, IEU members in Victorian Catholic need to ramp up the pressure on employers by taking lawful, collective actions that let parents, politicans, the media and the community know that your bosses are hard working educators basic industrial rights rights and delaying discussion of overdue pay rises and workplace improvements.
What you can do in Term 2
Wear black on Fridays or other visible campaign items (IEU T-shirts, badges, lanyards)
Display messages on cars (as used by ambulance workers and police)
Hold rallies and distribute parent handouts at school gates (before or after work)
Participate in member meetings with employer representatives (organised by the IEU office)
Choose the actions that suit your sub-branch and get involved!
Don’t forget:
Conversations matter most – last year proved that one to one chats about these topics are our most powerful weapon to inform, organise and build collective power.
STATE OF PLAY: SIA application
IEU continues pursuing a Single Interest Authorisation (SIA) to secure fair bargaining rights, consistent with other state Catholic systems
Of employer groups, 24 accept majority support; 9 dispute the numbers (including all dioceses)
Employers initially claimed 35,000 staff; after IEU demonstrated majority support (end of 2025), they added 10,000 more
They later admitted 7,000 of these were invalid, causing delays
VCEA claims its systems are too poor to produce accurate data quickly, requiring months to compile
Employer lawyers produced a 2,600-page ‘explanation’ opposing the SIA application (at significant cost)
Employer-submitted employment data is now ready for union scrutiny
The Fair Work Commission has delayed the SIA hearing until mid-June.
STATE OF PLAY: Bargaining discussions
It is being reported that the state government will make a 28% pay rise offer to AEU members.
Bargaining in the Catholic system has been slow
IEU has presented its full list of claims and is awaiting a response
Employers have presented their claims; however:
The VCEA has cancelled or postponed multiple bargaining meetings across March and April, only attending one in a 7-week period – with an SIA the union could apply for a Good Faith Bargaining order to force progress
By contrast, frequency of meetings between the AEU and the state government are increasing.
Don’t forget:
Last year’s 7% offer was rejected by a majority of staff, demonstrating willingness to hold firm and reject inadequate outcomes
This stance influenced expectations across both Catholic and Government systems
Government school staff have:
Rejected an initial offer of 8% (teachers) and 4% (non-teaching staff)
Taken a full-day strike in Term 1
Begun escalation in Term 2 (regional half-day strikes and ongoing work bans)
Pressure in the Government sector raises expectations system-wide and makes lower outcomes harder to justify
Any final agreement is likely to be the largest pay increase in IEU history.
Lawful actions only
Activities must not interfere with your normal work duties. This means no stopping or delaying work, and no working differently in a way that restricts duties.
Activities should take place outside work time or during breaks. If you are unsure, speak with your IEU Organiser.
Wearing union gear is not industrial action, as long as you comply with workplace policies and lawful directions.
If you have concerns about employer responses, the IEU can provide advice and support.
Get involved!
Grow membership by asking colleagues to join
If you’re a Rep, attend training if you haven’t already.
Every conversation and every action helps move this campaign forward.
Everyone has a role to play in promoting and supporting our campaign for fair bargaining rights and a new deal that improves your pay and conditions.
Stronger membership and visible collective action increase the pressure on employers to engage and reach agreement.
Term of action campaign hub
It contains explainers, printable posters and flyers, FAQs, videos and all the latest news on the campaign. It’s your one-stop shop for everything you need to help force action on your rights and entitlements NOW!
