Strathcona staff are taking
action to improve our school
Teachers and teaching assistants at Strathcona are taking protected industrial action to achieve more sustainable workloads in our Enterprise Agreement.
What are we fighting for?
A fair pay rise
We deserve a wage increase that keeps up with inflation and the rising cost of living.
Equity for Teaching Assistants
Strathcona Teaching Assistants are still paid less than their counterparts in Government and Catholic schools. While the current offer closes that gap slightly, new negotiations in those sectors this year are expected to push wages even higher — leaving us behind again unless we act now.
Access to arbitration without employer consent
Right now, we can’t resolve disputes — even serious ones like workload — unless the employer agrees to arbitration. We’re fighting for the right to take unresolved matters to the Fair Work Commission without needing the employer’s permission.
Real teacher workload protections
Our employer refuses to include reasonable workload limits in the Agreement. Industrial action shows we’re serious about protecting our time and wellbeing.
To be taken seriously at the bargaining table
The employer thinks their offer is good enough to put to a vote — but it fails to meet our key claims. Vote NO to demand better.
Fair parental leave
We deserve parental leave provisions equal to those in the Government and Catholic sectors. The current offer falls short — and so will our support unless this is fixed.
Improved student outcomes
When staff are supported with fair pay and manageable workloads, we can teach and support students safely, sustainably, and effectively.
To show we’re united
Every action we take sends a clear message: Strathcona Teachers and Assistants stand together for a fair deal. Progress doesn’t come from waiting — it comes from standing up and acting.
Do you work at Strathcona and are not yet a member of the IEU?
Join today to make our collective voice stronger as we campaign to win an Agreement that improves all of our working lives.
Parents:
show your support
Parents pay good money to send their children to Strathcona — and we believe that should come with the highest standard of teaching and support. Right now, unsustainable workloads are making that harder to deliver.
We’re campaigning for changes that will improve our working conditions and lead to better learning outcomes for your children.
Show your support by sending a message to the school leadership.
Use our simple letter of support template below.
(You can edit it to reflect your own views.)
Your voice matters. With parent support, we can build a stronger, more sustainable future for Strathcona.
Template Letter of Support – Strathcona Workload Campaign
To the Principal and Leadership Team,
I am writing as a parent of a student at Strathcona to express my support for the dedicated teachers and teaching assistants who are participating in a campaign to improve workload conditions.
I understand that this campaign reflects genuine concerns about staff wellbeing and the pressures involved in delivering high-quality education. As a parent, I value the strong relationships my child has with their teachers and the commitment staff show to their students every day.
I respectfully encourage the School to continue engaging constructively with staff and the Independent Education Union to resolve this matter. A fair and reasonable outcome that supports sustainable workloads will benefit not only the staff, but also the students and the broader school community.
Thank you for your ongoing efforts and commitment to our children’s education.
Kind regards,
