Supported bargaining
The supported bargaining process would enable the union, the NSW government and employers to work together to lift pay and conditions across the sector and solve the staffing crisis.
“We see this campaign launch as an opportunity to make a difference. We would really like to see a much more systematic approach to getting better pay in preschools,” Matthews said.
“The aim of our preschool campaign is to create real, lasting improvements going forward. Enterprise agreements can be renegotiated and improved on a regular basis.”
Media coverage
The forum was covered in the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday 7 April, with two IEU members, Phillipa Maher and Melinda Gambley, as well as Matthews, quoted.
Gambley, of Clunes Community Preschool near Lismore, said “people who are on early childhood wages can’t afford housing. They can’t afford mortgages and they can’t afford rent.
“I’ve been working in this sector for a long time and I’ve seen a slow deterioration in the workforce – a staff shortage and pressures on staff. We are in crisis. We’re desperate now and we have to do something about it,” Gambley said.
“I’d like to see the state government support community preschools. Other sectors get support from other places, but it’s really up to the state government to support us because there is no one else.”
The IEU is calling for NSW government-supported pay rises that properly value the work of preschool staff.
“We need a 25% increase for beginning teachers and more for experienced teachers working in preschools,” Matthews said.
“Preschool teachers in other states and territories receive pay rates comparable to school teachers.
“Now we must focus on the needs of our preschools. We urge the NSW government to step up and address the staff shortages caused by inadequate pay and conditions in community-based preschools.”
A win-win situation
It is widely accepted that high-quality early childhood education is crucial to brain development and fundamental to achieving lifelong learning outcomes. It lays a strong foundation for academic success as children progress through school and beyond.
“If preschool teachers were paid comparably to school teachers, they would be more likely to enter the sector and less likely to leave,” Matthews said. “Teachers, children, parents and the community only stand to gain from a strong preschool sector. We need to unite for change.”
The equity with school teachers is not there – it’s not a fair deal. Supported bargaining can change that. The IEU is calling for the NSW Government to take stewardship of the sector and support employers to pay their staff properly. Community preschools need people who are studying for degrees to want to enter this profession. We cannot win this campaign without building our community.
Teachers at the forum were enthusiastic about the IEU’s campaign and determined to play their part.
“Supported bargaining has been on our radar for some time and we were thrilled the IEU is taking up the case on behalf of preschool teachers,” Byron Bay Preschool Director and President of the Northern Rivers Preschool Alliance, Bridget Isichei, said.
Janene Rox, a teacher at Cronulla Preschool said: “This is an opportunity to be part of the amazing next stage in our sector. There’s lots of different ways to be part of the process. You can be loud and proud or quietly sharing in the background. Everyone can get involved.”
