Union resources
For more resources, including recruitment posters, fact sheets on rights and responsibilities, resources for reps, women and equity resources, and calendars, visit: www.ieu.asn.au/resources
Did you know the IEU advocates for better pay and conditions, and provides individual support to members?
Don’t leave yourself unprotected. And remember, union fees are tax deductible.
Find out why joining the union is something you can’t put off.
How does union membership lead to better pay?
Unions provide employees with a collective voice in negotiations, which leads to greater bargaining power.
When unions negotiate on behalf of all employees, the playing field is levelled, allowing the union to negotiate better outcomes.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, union members have median weekly earnings that are 18.6% higher than the earnings of non-members (as of 2024).
What industrial protections does the union offer?
The IEU offers its members a comprehensive range of industrial protections should workplace issues arise. This includes assistance with a wide range of disputes, grievances, complaints, allegations and health and safety issues.
Can the union assist with professional matters?
Yes, the union employs specialist staff to assist with professional matters such as accreditation (including proficient and higher levels), as well as offering professional development.
The union holds positions on the board of NESA (NSW) and TQI (ACT), as well as engaging regularly with federal and state governments to ensure teachers have a collective voice on professional matters.
How can joining the union assist with workload?
The IEU can negotiate better working conditions when membership is high.
Just as with salaries, it is difficult to get improvements when employees act individually rather than as a group.
Unions enable employees to have a collective voice, making it difficult for employers to ignore.
Schools with higher union membership are generally able to negotiate better working conditions. Together we are stronger.
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Just started teaching? Here’s what you need to know …
So, you’ve just landed your first teaching job. Congratulations, you’ve taken your first steps into a rewarding profession.
While starting a new job is exciting, it can also be overwhelming, and there may be things you’re unsure about.
The IEU is here to answer your questions and to provide support and assistance as you navigate your new career.
Why should I join the union?
Joining your union is the most important thing you can do when you start teaching. In doing so you join tens of thousands of your non-government school colleagues who together ensure teachers have a strong professional and industrial voice. When teachers and support staff stand together, we are strong.
The union employs experienced organisers and industrial officers to assist you if complaints or allegations are made, or if you are simply feeling overwhelmed and need support.
In addition, IEU members have access to:
- expert support for beginning teachers
- reduced membership rates – and remember, union fees are tax deductible
- advice and guidance on pay, contracts, entitlements and other working conditions
- protection, advocacy and representation if things go wrong
- professional development and support to grow your skills and confidence
- organisers and school-based reps to answer questions and help you along the way.
Am I entitled to additional support as a beginning teacher?
Many employers provide support to beginning teachers via additional release, appointing a mentor, or additional professional learning opportunities. Some schools have release defined in their enterprise agreement.
In some schools, this is less clearly defined, and the IEU can assist beginning teachers to discuss appropriate supports with your employer. If you are not receiving support as a beginning teacher, talk to your rep or colleagues about what help is available. If you still have questions or need support, talk to your IEU rep or organiser.
Can the union assist me with my accreditation?
The union employs specialist staff who can assist teachers experiencing difficulties with accreditation or NESA. Contact the union if you require assistance or have questions about the process.