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Your Union for Early Childhood Educators

Early childhood educators are the backbone of our society. We educate children and develop the skills they need for the future. We also make it possible for parents to go to work. Without us, society could not function, yet this is not reflected in our pay.

Together as union members we are the driving force behind the Big Steps campaign to secure professional pay, respect and recognition. The more educators who are in our union, the bigger and louder our voice is.

United Workers Union is our union for workers in Early Childhood Education and Care.

UWU represents over 150,000 workers from all walks of life across Australia.  Throughout our history, we’ve shown when working people come together, we win.

We fight hard for jobs you can count on, decent pay and conditions, and respect at work. Your union is here to help you, we provide a range of quality services, benefits and representation when you need it.  

EDUCATORS WIN UP TO $10,000 A YEAR!

Register for the ECEC pay rise!

Educators have WON a historic 15% pay rise funded by the Federal Government, starting with a 10% pay rise in December 2024. 

To receive the pay rise, register your centre for the union-approved sector-wide agreement!

The wage rise comes after years of tireless effort by union members – and it’s a game-changer for early childhood educators.

With so much information to take in, you might be wondering how this will impact you. Don’t worry; we’ve got everything you need to know. Check out our FAQ to get a clear understanding of how this wage rise could benefit you.

GOODSTART EDUCATORS VOTE YES!

An overwhelming 98% have voted YES to the 2024 Goodstart Enterprise Agreement!

The finalised agreement will now move forward, and Goodstart educators start seeing the benefits roll out soon. From December 2024, the Government-funded 15% wage increase will kick in, with 10% of that increase arriving before Christmas!

This is just one of many incredible wins secured for Goodstart workers.

By standing together in our union, we’ve made a real difference. This agreement will have a lasting impact on educators and children across Goodstart centres.

Through this agreement, Goodstart members have raised the bar for the early education sector.

documentation in early education

Tell us how you feel about your documentation!

How is documentation impacting your workload and the time you can spend with children?

While we know it’s important, we want to hear if the amount of paperwork you are expected to complete is taking too much time and whether you think this is keeping educators from spending quality time with children.

Tell us about the time you spend on documentation, what you think is reasonable, and how the process could be improved.

Your feedback will help us push for meaningful changes that could get you back to focusing on the important work you do.

BECOME A DELEGATE

Stand up, Speak out.

A union delegate is another union member just like you. They have a job to do every day, and they answer to the same management that you do. The key difference is that a union delegate has training, tools and protections to help you and other members solve problems at work!

Join the Union for ECEC Workers

Standing together, we can change our workplaces.

Union Member Benefits

Better Pay and Conditions

Union members stand together for better pay and conditions, respect, and job security.

Australian workers who are union members earn on average $250 more every week.

Back up and Support at Work

When you face poor treatment – like unfair dismissal, safety issues or harassment at work it’s important to be union.

At worksites across the country UWU Delegates, leaders and Health and Safety Reps have your back.

Training, Community & Information

Members have access to exclusive training and development designed to support you at work.

Being union also gives you access to a community of workers and expert information when you need it.

Join a Movement that Wins

When you’re union, you’re part of a national movement with a long history for standing up for what is right.

If you want a fairer Australia, joining your union is the best way to make a difference.

Save with Union Shopper

As a United Workers Union member you’re entitled to a wide range of financial discounts and savings as part of the union member benefits program..

Offset your union dues by saving big on groceries, white goods, and travel.

Our website is hosted on 100% carbon neutral servers in Naarm (Melbourne). The United Workers Union is committed to creating the secure & future-proof jobs workers and their communities need as our country continues to transition to a net zero economy.

UWU acknowledges that we meet and work on the unceded lands of First Nations peoples. We wish to pay respect to their Elders — past and present — and acknowledge the important role all First Nations peoples continue to play within Australia and in our union.

© United Workers Union 2025. All Rights Reserved.

Authorised by T. Kennedy, United Workers Union, 833 Bourke St, Docklands, VIC 3008