early educators win historic pay rise

United Workers union early education members have shown once again that they're a forCe to be reckoned with!

Want to know how to get your pay increase?

Is the Union won pay increase only for Educators?

The union won government funded pay increase will be available to everyone working in the sector.

What if my company already has an existing EBA?

Union members have fought hard so that this pay increase will be accessible to everyone working in the sector. Even if you're currently under an existing agreement, there are several options to explore with your employer to access the government funded pay increase union members have won.

Your union can assist you and your employer with how to access the government funded pay increase union members have won.

What if I work in Goodstart?

Goodstart union members have consistently championed better wages and improved conditions within the sector. Through collective action, they secured this historic pay increase, demonstrating the strength of unity. At Goodstart, members skillfully negotiated to ensure that any government-funded pay raise benefits all of us.

While some matters remain unresolved in the Goodstart bargaining process, once your bargaining team approves the overall offer, everyone will have the opportunity to vote on the agreement and the proposed wage increase.

We all want this process to happen quickly so that we can get the money in our pockets as soon as possible.

What is a MEA/ New Union Approved Sector Wide Agreement?

The New Union Approved Sector Wide Agreement represents our opportunity to revolutionize the sector and provide professional wages for educators in early education. Traditionally, pay and conditions for this sector have been governed either by industry awards—setting minimum standards—or by union-negotiated agreements (EBAs). While many educators have benefited from union agreements, the absence of federal government involvement in negotiations with multiple employers has limited progress.

In 2022, following Albanese’s election, union members advocated for legal changes that would allow educators across different providers to collectively negotiate improved wages and conditions, with the Federal Government at the table. This groundbreaking agreement will cover 64 employers and 12,000 workers, ensuring that all participating centers elevate their standards simultaneously—focusing on culture and quality rather than mere compensation.

The bargaining process for this novel union-approved sector-wide agreement began last year, involving 64 employers and 12,000 educators. Through this agreement, employers can pass on the government-funded wage increase to their workers. It marks a significant milestone in Australia, introducing new standards for worker pay and conditions.

Who is covered by the New Union Approved Sector Wide Agreement?

Union members have fought hard so that this pay increase will be accessible to everyone working in the education and care sector.

The government-funded wage raise will be accessible to employers who are already covered by the new union-approved sector-wide agreement. For employers not yet covered, there’s an opportunity to join the agreement and access the wage increase.

However, if an employer chooses not to participate in the sector wide agreement. Educators will need to join their union to make sure they don’t get left behind and get every cent they deserve. Demonstrating majority support among workers will be crucial for educators seeking inclusion in the new union-approved sector-wide agreement.

Remember to engage with others in your center to ensure everyone benefits from this pay increase. They can join here and don’t forget to send them the calculator.

How did union members win?

Together union members fought for and won this historic pay increase- by standing together in a powerful union, to win big.

Union members never gave up, educators even won new workplace laws to make this possible.

In 2012, educators participated in the First National Big Steps Day, where thousands took to the streets to advocate for equal pay. Since then, union members have continued their efforts. Their track record spans decades, including wins on minimum ratios and professionalizing the sector—now adding pay increases to their list of accomplishments.

What if I work in a place not covered by the MEA?

Union members have tirelessly advocated for this pay increase to benefit everyone working in the sector. The government-funded wage raise will be accessible to employers already covered by the new union-approved sector-wide agreement.

Employers (not yet covered) will have an opportunity to be covered by the new union approved agreement and access the government funded wage increase.

For employers not yet covered, there’s an opportunity to join the agreement and access the wage increase. However, if an employer chooses not to participate, educators must unite by joining their union to ensure they receive their rightful compensation. Demonstrating majority support among workers will be crucial for educators seeking inclusion in the new union-approved sector-wide agreement.

They can join here and don’t forget to send them the calculator.

How will this win impact people leaving and coming into the sector?

This is the most groundbreaking victory towards transforming the sector and delivering professional wages for Educators working in early education.

Educators and proud United Workers Union members are continuing to fight for the pay and the conditions they deserve as they provide the foundation for Australia's next generation.

United Workers Union conducted a Snap Poll which uncovered that 60% of educators plan to leave the sector within three years, and 97% of centers have lost staff in the past year. But there’s hope: a whopping 90.6% are committed to staying if they receive a pay increase - and we have!

How does my employer become part of the MEA/New Union Approved Sector Wide Agreement?

Many employers in the sector will have the opportunity to join the new union agreement and benefit from the government-funded wage increase.

Your employer can apply to be part of the union-approved agreement. Our union’s process involves inviting employers—like yours—who are not currently part of the agreement to participate in this historic funding and pay raise.

If you’d like us to reach out to your employer or inform them about workers who want to be part of the new agreement, click here. Rest assured, we won’t share any names or identifying information.

What will this mean for me?

The impact of this pay increase varies based on your current wage level and workplace. For most educators, it translates to an annual increase of over $10,000. You can use the calculator here to determine the exact impact on your earnings

This raise represents a transformative moment for the sector. Educators have long been undervalued and underpaid, but this victory ensures that more people will stay in and join the field of early learning.

How can I get access to the pay increase?

Receiving this pay increase isn’t automatic, and the most effective way to access it is by becoming a union member. The government-funded wage raise will be accessible to employers through a new union-approved sector-wide agreement.

For employers not yet covered by the agreement, there’s an opportunity to join and benefit from the government-funded wage increase. However, employers can choose not to participate in the sector-wide agreement. But workers also have a say about their pay and conditions.

Make sure to discuss this with others in your center to ensure representation moving forward.

When can I expect this to happen?

The next crucial step is finalizing our groundbreaking union-approved agreement—the first of its kind in the country. The UWU bargaining team will reconvene with government officials and employers at the end of August. Once the agreement is officially settled, you and your colleagues working for these employers will have the opportunity to vote on it. We’re committed to expediting this process to ensure the funds reach your pockets promptly.

For those employed at Goodstart, a few outstanding matters remain in the bargaining process. Once your bargaining team approves the overall offer, everyone can participate in the vote on the agreement and the proposed wage increase. Speeding up this process is our shared goal to swiftly benefit from the additional income.

If you work elsewhere, rest assured that once the agreement is finalized, most employers in early education and care will have the chance to join the new union agreement and access the government-funded wage increase.

Your employer can promptly apply to be part of the union-approved agreement. Our process involves inviting employers—like yours—who are not currently part of the agreement to participate in this historic funding and pay increase. If you’d like us to inform your employer about workers interested in joining the new agreement, click here. We won’t share any names or identifying information.

What if my employer doesn’t want to be part of the New Union Approved Sector Wide Agreement?

Employers must choose whether to participate in the new union-approved sector-wide agreement or decline. Importantly, union members also have a say in this historic pay raise and agreement, even if their employer doesn’t seamlessly opt in.

Your employer may ask UWU to prove that a majority of workers support being on the new union approved sector wide agreement.

Be sure to discuss this with others in your center to ensure everyone benefits from the pay increase. They can join here and don’t forget to send them the calculator.

Why do I need to join the union.

There are now 10,000 compelling reasons to join the union! As educators, it’s crucial to be part of the union to ensure you don’t miss out on the pay you rightfully deserve.

If you’re at a site covered by the MEA, union members secured this historic pay raise, and joining ensures we continue winning.
For Goodstart employees, joining ensures that Goodstart fulfills its promise to pass on the government-funded pay increase.
If you work at a non-MEA site, being part of the union agreement ensures you don’t miss out on a $10,000 pay increase.

Find out if your work place is already part of the New Union Approved Sector Wide Agreement

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If I am already paid above the award rate, will I be eligible for the 15% wage increase?

Yes, you will still receive an increase. Even if you’re already paid above the award rate, your pay will be adjusted by the same dollar amount as the increase for those on the award. For example, if someone on the award receives and additional $5 per hour, you will also receive an extra $5 per hour on top of your current rate.

*United Workers Union will update this page with additional answers as more information becomes available.

DON'T SIGN AN IFA. GET YOUR 15% THROUGH THE UNION AGREEMENT

The fastest, simplest, and most dependable way to secure the 15% pay increase is by signing the new Union-Approved Agreement!

If your employer is talking to you about signing an Individual Flexibility Arrangement (IFA), talk to them about joining with the majority of other employers on the Union Agreement.

Remember, employers can use an Individual Flexibility Arrangements to reduce your conditions, and they can terminate the IFA without any reason!

Get your 15% pay rise here!

You are not required to sign an IFA to access the 15% pay rise. Signing an IFA is voluntary and cannot be a condition of your employment. Instead, you can request that your employer join the new union-approved sector-wide agreement.

Download the letter here

You have the right to terminate an Individual Flexibility Arrangement with 13 weeks' notice.

Download the letter here

fACT CHECKING!

With the recent announcement of a 15% pay rise by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, there’s been a lot of information circulating.

That’s why we’re committed to fact-checking the information being shared.

Watch this video of Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and Minister of Education Jason Clare explaining why educators are getting a 15% wage increase and answering educators biggest questions about the pay rise.

Isn't this only a 2 year deal?

The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said this pay rise for early educators was an essential step towards universal early childhood education and care.

Anthony Albanese said you couldn't deliver on universal care without attracting and retaining early educators by paying them better.

This new 15% pay rise is going to set a NEW STANDARD for wages in early education!

Isn't this just a grant?

This 15% pay rise is a real union win.

This pay rise will be paid to educators through a New Sector Wide Union Approved Agreement to set a new standard for wages in early education.

So get on board, get every cent you deserve and use the UWU pay rise calculator today!

Does this cover everyone?

The money is accessible to ALL workers in a provider covered under the Children's Services Award in long day care and OSHC.

They government say they are working through how this could get to educators employed in state run services and family day care.

UWU will keep you updated.

What will happen to our wages in 2 years?

The pay increase is only available through specific workplace agreements.

When agreements come to an end, union members will get an opportunity to fight for more increases.

Get on board and make sure we keep winning pay increases for educators!

What about a 25% pay rise?

This win does not mean that educators will stop fighting!

Educators are still in front of the Fair Work Commission demanding fair pay after years of historical undervaluation for a female-dominated sector.

This 15% win is a massive first step - so get on board now!

10 REasons why your employer needs to sign up to the new union approved sector-wide agreement

HOW WILL the process work?

What about the 25%?

Union members are committed to winning a 25% for educators. We won’t stop until we get every cent.

Don’t forget the building blocks!

We’ve achieved the New Sector Agreement, we’ve achieved the recognition for educators in the award and we will get ready for a national work value case.

Last year, when Aged Care members in our union won their pay increase it was 15%.

In twelve months, three thousand more union members joined the union, and they went back to the Government and won a further 10%.

This significant step forward shows that there is strength in numbers, join us now!

Early childhood educators across Australia will receive pay rises of around $10,000 a year** after the Albanese Labor Government honoured its promise to low-paid educators.

CLICK TO READ OUR MEDIA RELEASE