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The passage of Wage Justice for Early Childhood Education and Care legislation last night shows Early Childhood Educators their 15 per cent pay rise is now an unstoppable reality, United Workers Union said today.

“With the passage of legislation yesterday evening, Early Childhood Educators have a substantial pay rise within reach that will help address the cost of living crisis,” United Workers Union National President Jo Schofield said today.

“This is a huge win for educators who have suffered through a workplace crisis that has made it tough going for families and workers alike.

“Through this legislation and the multi-employer agreement struck between employers, the Albanese Labor Government and unions, there are no roadblocks stopping early childhood centres signing up once the deal is registered.

“Already 64 employers covering more than 12,000 educators have signed on to get the 15 per cent pay rise. And we have seen more than 100 employers ready to sign on.

“Earlier this month 16,000 early educators from Goodstart Early Learning signed up to receive the pay rise as well.

“The easiest, quickest and most reliable way for early childhood educators to get their 15 per cent pay rise is for their employer to sign the multi-employer sector agreement.

“Educators can now be first in line for sector-changing pay increases. Once the deal is registered it takes as little as eight days to put an agreement in place.”

Educators will receive a 10 per cent pay rise in December – backpaid if there are delays – if their centre signs the workplace agreement and agrees to a cap on fee increases.

They will receive a further 5 per cent in December next year.

United Workers Union estimates wages for a  Cert III-qualified educator will move from about $54,000 now to $64,000 in December next year, assuming a 3 per cent mid-year increase in the annual award-wage review.

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