The Independent Education Union (IEU) has secured substantial pay increases and enhanced workplace protections for its members across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Representing more than 30,000 teachers, principals, and support staff in non-government schools, as well as educators in early childhood education and post-secondary English-language colleges, the union continues to advocate for fair compensation and safe working environments.
Strong Pay Rises Achieved in 2025
In 2025, thousands of school staff benefited from robust pay rises following negotiations led by the IEU. Agreements were reached across various sectors, including independent schools, Catholic systemic schools, and Christian schools. Notably, teachers in Catholic diocesan schools are now covered by a clause that requires employers to engage in discussions for a one-off payment of $1,000 if the annual Sydney Consumer Price Index exceeds 4.5 per cent as at the March 2026 quarter.
Workload Protections for Teachers
Union-negotiated work practices agreements for teachers in Catholic diocesan schools provide essential protections for managing day-to-day workloads. These agreements address class sizes, professional development opportunities, limits on meeting times, and support for teachers working with students who have diverse learning needs.
"IEU members have always made meaningful gains by standing together," said IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Carol Matthews. "We consistently make good progress for members because of high membership, which strengthens our bargaining position."
Breakthrough in Workload Transparency
Last year, teachers and professional staff across 240 independent schools achieved strong pay rises and improved conditions through the IEU's 'Now's the Time' campaign. A major breakthrough was the introduction of workload transparency. Employers must now clearly communicate teachers' regular face-to-face hours per week or cycle, along with expectations for extracurricular duties. The union is actively monitoring compliance to ensure this requirement is upheld.
Campaigning for Community Preschools
The IEU is also campaigning for pay rises for staff in community preschools, where an acute workforce crisis persists. In February 2025, the union achieved a historic victory when the Fair Work Commission recommended that the NSW government review and boost funding for community preschools, enabling them to provide long-overdue pay rises. However, the government has yet to agree to increase funding to support an enterprise agreement covering more than 100 preschools.
Recovering Underpayments and Providing Support
In 2025, the union recovered $4.4 million in underpayments for its members. The IEU offers comprehensive advice and support on issues such as salaries and classifications, leave entitlements, flexible work arrangements, and workplace rights and responsibilities. Members also benefit from professional development sessions, full training for union representatives in schools, and guidance on teacher accreditation and progression processes.
Advocacy and Policy Influence
The IEU supports members through lobbying and policy submissions to government and education authorities on critical issues including bullying, discrimination, and sexual harassment. Importantly, union fees are 100 per cent tax deductible, making membership financially beneficial.
For more information, visit ieu.asn.au or call 8202 8900.
