Thirty years ago, the Independent Teachers Association changed its name to the Independent Education Union, reflecting the inclusion of support staff in non-government schools. It is a great thing that all staff working in the one workplace can belong to the same union.
I am pleased to share the news that this year’s annual report shows that our support staff membership has grown by 2.4%
over the last 12 months, with particularly strong growth in independent schools.
The Public Service Association (PSA) covers non-teaching staff in government schools. PSA members have voted to accept a new pay offer, which is a considerable improvement on the government’s original offer.
Under clause 20.3 of the 2023 Catholic systemic agreement (which doesn’t cover members in the Broken Bay Diocese), any increase paid to school and administrative staff in government schools in 2024 will also be paid to support staff in Catholic systemic schools.
The PSA has reached an agreement with the following pay rises:
- 4% from 1 July 2024 (to be back paid) + 0.5% superannuation (already awarded)
- 3% from 1 July 2025 + 0.5% superannuation; and
- 3% from 1 July 2026
The agreement also offers a cost-of-living allowance (COLA) to counter the impacts of an inflation rate, should it be above 3.5%. If inflation continues to trend downwards, there is less likelihood the COLA will be applied. Nevertheless, it is good to know it is there.
This clause means that when the new Crown Employees (School Administrative and Support Staff) Award is made, the 4% increase will also be paid to our members and back paid to 1 July 2024. After our long fight to gain wage parity with our colleagues in government schools, it is great to note that our union included clause 20.3 to ensure we didn’t slide backwards.
Negotiations for a new MEA in independent schools continue.
When the pay rise comes through, please speak to a potential member about where the extra pay came from and invite them to join their union. Together we are stronger.