What the IEU’s SIA application means for you: next steps in the fight for fair bargaining
The IEU has lodged a Single Interest Authorisation (SIA) application with the Fair Work Commission (FWC). It’s a big moment, but it’s important to realise it’s not the finish line in the fight for fair bargaining in Victorian Catholic education.
IEU applies to the Fair Work Commission for a Single Interest Authorisation
History is in the making: today the IEU has applied to the Fair Work Commission for a Single Interest Authorisation (SIA) for bargaining in the Victorian Catholic education sector after an outstanding response to the union’s campaign for fair bargaining rights.
VCEA’s “staff survey” fails the test of genuine consultation
The VCEA’s “survey” is a campaign pitch: it touts a $1,500 bonus, hides cuts, offers no anonymity or independent oversight ̶ yet employers plan to use it to seek a Fair Work Commission voting order.
Translating Mr Merlino’s spin on so-called “offer” to Victorian Catholic school staff
James Merlino, former politician and now chair of the Victorian Catholic Education Authority, has urged staff to support a short-term bribe at the expense of real pay rises and improved conditions.
Mythbusting VCEA misinformation
Before bargaining has officially commenced, we are seeing an unprecedented spread of misinformation.
What is fair bargaining in Australia?
Employers must sit down in good faith, hear workers’ claims, respond properly, and treat unions as genuine representatives - not try to bypass or silence them.
IEU hits back at union-busting tactics from Victorian Catholic employers
The IEU has written to the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA), warning that Catholic school employers are breaking the Fair Work Act by obstructing the rights of Sub-Branch Reps.
Victorian Catholic school staff should say no to the VCEA’s so-called “offer”
On 17 October, we urge you to reject the employer “offer” in its survey. Demand fair bargaining, a real pay rise in line with national standards, and the retention of essential conditions and tell your employer that you want a single interest authorisation (SIA).
Anger grows as Catholic education employers push rushed “offer”
Educators in Victorian Catholic schools are not merely underwhelmed by their employers’ so-called “offer” ̶ they are appalled.
Thousands sign statements of support as the IEU’s SIA campaign intensifies
The IEU is in the middle of an unprecedented ‘call blitz’, reaching thousands of staff in Victorian Catholic schools to secure support for a Single Interest Authorisation (SIA) application.
Ignore the Catholic employer “offer”, stand firm, and sign up for an SIA!
Employers have suddenly announced a so-called “first and final offer” — a move aimed at bypassing the IEU and avoiding genuine bargaining with staff.
The IEU’s SIA campaign takes effect: employers table inadequate “offer” as union momentum builds
Victorian Catholic school employers, represented by the VCEA, have written to all staff announcing a purported “Enterprise Bargaining Offer” ahead of negotiations for a new four-year agreement.
Why the IEU supports Myka Sanders in landmark discrimination case
IEU General Secretary David Brear says the union is backing non-binary educator Myka Sanders against their religious employer because Australia needs stronger anti-discrimination protections.
Strong SOS conversations power IEU’s Catholic campaign in Geelong
Thirteen Reps and members from Geelong Catholic schools met in late September to discuss the SIA Statement of Support campaign, highlighting the region’s role as a driving force in IEU activism.
All staff urged to sign a statement of support for fair bargaining
The IEU is urging all staff in Victorian Catholic education to sign a statement of support for its Single Interest Authorisation (SIA) application — a step essential to ensure fair bargaining for pay rises and urgent workplace improvements.
Statement of Support Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a new process and a technical one, but it’s amazing how quickly Victorian Catholic school staff are catching on to why an SIA SOS is needed ASAP!
IEU member Myka’s brave fight against discrimination
The IEU is backing a non-binary educator in a case against one of Australia’s largest religious employers to secure stronger anti-discrimination protections across the independent education sector.
Balancing safety and inclusion: protections for staff in specialist schools
Employers in specialist schools share the same OHS duty to provide a safe workplace as all employers – but the demands of disability support require them to take extra steps to manage specific risks to staff safety.
IEU Reps, delegate’s rights laws and bargaining
Workplace delegates (Reps) now have legally protected rights that significantly strengthen their ability to represent members, especially during enterprise bargaining.
IEU advice: Contact the union before you quit
Even someone completely fed up with their place of work and utterly convinced they need a change should take a deep breath and contact the IEU before submitting their resignation.