Why pay rises are still important

A member wrote to us in July expressing disagreement with a pay rise achieved by teachers in Catholic systemic schools during the pandemic. Here is our response.

Dear Member,

Thank you for your message to the IEU.

The 2.5% pay rise that IEU members have collectively achieved was due on 1 January 2020 and had been budgeted by Catholic employers since last year. While we respect that you have a different view, we cannot see this pay rise as a cause for shame.

The claim for a 2.5% pay rise was endorsed by IEU members, and in June this year more than 91% of Catholic systemic school Chapters voted ‘Yes’ to a motion calling on employers to finalise the negotiations and pay the 2.5% pay rise with back pay.

Many IEU members are on casual or temporary contracts, meaning they do not enjoy job security. Moreover, many of our members have partners who have lost their employment as a result of the pandemic, making a pay increase and back pay extremely important to their family budget.

Please do not hesitate to call your union if you would like to discuss this matter further: (02) 8202 8900.

Aidan Anderson
Organiser