Union Educators secure historic pay rise
breaking union win! Government secures 15% pay rise
The federal government has just announced it will secure the 15% wage increase, ensuring 200,000 early educators won’t go backwards at the end of the year!
JOIN YOUR Early education UNION
Get your union pay guide
Are you confused about the pay rise funding announcement and what it means for your wage?
Join United Workers Union now to access the updated Pay Guide covering:
- An FAQ answering all of your questions regarding the pay increases.
- A breakdown of the wage increases depending on your role, qualification and award classification
- A timeline showing exactly what dollar increase you should expect by which date
Become a UWU member to access a range of member benefits, including the updated Union Pay Guide, as well as expert advice and legal support to help make sure you’re getting every dollar owed.
Get your personal pay projection now!
what makes up your pay rise
The sector-wide union agreement that now covers over 500 early education providers and lifts working standards for over 70,000 early educators has delivered the government-funded 15% pay increase.
And after decades of advocacy, UWU members have also successfully proven to the Fair Work Commission what we’ve always known: early childhood educators have been systematically undervalued and underpaid due to gender-based inequality in our workforce.
The Fair Work Commission has officially locked in wage increases of up to 27% for Early Childhood Educators across Australia! This means an additional 12% Pay Rise alongside the already available 15%.
The Commission Has Proposed:
- 1 March 2026 – up to 5%
- 30 June 2026 – up to 5%
- 30 June 2027 – up to 5%
- 30 June 2028 – up to 5%
- 30 June 2029 – Any Remainder
This pay rise has been years in the making
The life-changing wage rise comes after years of tireless effort by union members to receive the pay and respect you deserve for the important work you do.
A Cert III Educator on the Children’s Services Award receiving the 15% pay rise is now about $11,000 a year better off than they were in 2024!
This victory is only possible because of the voices of our Union Members who advocated for better pay and a safer sector.
UWU Educators made it happen
Click below to watch early childhood teacher Kaitlyn share why she’s a proud union member.
