End of an era for Verena

Verena when she began her career with the IEU in 1986.

The IEU is farewelling Verena Heron after nearly 40 years improving the lives of teachers in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector.

After a few years as a teacher librarian in a Marist Brothers school, she joined the IEU as an organiser in 1986.

“Unionism fulfilled a dream that I could make a difference in people’s lives through my work,” Verena said.

“I got more interested in early childhood education and the impact it could have for children in the future.”

Verena said one of the reasons ECEC teachers’ salaries started falling behind salaries for school teachers was the advent of the modern award in 2010. Modern awards set out the minimum terms and conditions of employment on top of the National Employment Standards.

“The modern award didn’t reflect early childhood teachers’ work,” Verena said. “And it became difficult to get wage increases apart from the annual wage review. Conservative governments both federally and in NSW did not believe in funding the sector.

“When the Labor government was in power in the 1980s and 90s in NSW and federally, they were very consultative about the sector wanting to hear the views not only of employers, but also teachers.”

The union sat on several decision-making bodies. “We cultivated relationships with major employer groups and major representatives to promote the value of early childhood education, the need for better regulation and the need for appropriate funding,” Verena said.

“That changed dramatically with the Liberals both at a state and federal level. Under the current state and federal Labor governments we’re seeing positive change in the sector.”

“She has achieved so much in ensuring that the value of early childhood education and the vital role of teachers are on the agenda for governments and the community.”

Standouts from Verena’s career include the successful campaign to lower the staff-to-babies ratio to 1:4 in the early 2000s, and the 2012 petition to state parliament demanding better recognition for ECEC teachers, as well as the wages cases in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission and the recent pay equity case in the Fair Work Commission.

The common denominator in Verena’s recollections is standing with members in collective actions. She is hopeful for the future, with an upsurge in member action under way in the Unite for Change campaign for pay rises for community preschool teachers in NSW, and the federal government having just funded historic pay rises for long day care staff (p2).

IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Carol Matthews said, “I’ve worked closely with Verena for almost 40 years, and she’s always been dedicated to improving the pay and conditions of IEU members, with a focus on early childhood teachers.

“Verena is a strategic thinker who is highly regarded by members, employers and academics alike for her knowledge of and insight into early childhood education and care. For me, Verena is a good friend and union comrade.

“She will be missed by her colleagues at the IEU. Verena leaves the IEU as game-changing campaigns unfold for teachers in both long day care and community preschools.

“I know Verena is pleased by recent huge gains for long day care teachers (see p2) after so many years of struggle to achieve the pay and conditions our ECEC members deserve.”

IEU organiser Lisa James said: “Verena negotiated enterprise agreements for many early childhood members over the years, and they enjoyed better wages and conditions as a result.”

Former IEU Deputy Secretary Gloria Taylor, who worked with Verena for many years, said she helped members in small, hard-to-organise centres achieve significant outcomes.

Former IEU Vice President Early Childhood Services, Gabrielle Connell, said: “I met Verena over 35 years ago when she did the ‘country run’, travelling around NSW, meeting with teachers, listening to issues and supporting us in any way she could. Her knowledge and passion will be greatly missed.”

Former IEU Assistant Secretary Pam Smith commended Verena’s dedication to supporting the interests of early childhood teachers.

“She has achieved so much in ensuring that the value of early childhood education and the vital role of teachers are on the agenda for governments and the community.

“I thank Verena as a friend and colleague for her inspiring activism and I wish her the very best for the future. Her legacy will endure in so many ways.”

ECEC consultant and long-time IEU collaborator Lisa Bryant said, “From the moment I met Verena, I knew she was passionate, skilled and relentless about improving pay and conditions. After years of tireless dedication, Verena leaves behind an inspiring legacy as a champion of ECEC teachers.

“Her fierce advocacy has elevated the profession. All of us in ECEC have benefited from her wisdom, compassion and relentless pursuit to ensure everyone agrees teachers are teachers, no matter the age of their students.”

Verena Heron, above centre, at the launch of the Unite for Change campaign on 5 April 2024 with preschool teachers Melinda Gambley, left, and Madeleine Holme.

Sue Osborne
Journalist