For more than a decade, IEU rep Joanne Lowe, along with the school’s IEU chapter, has worked towards securing an enterprise agreement (EA) for staff at The Armidale Waldorf School.
Armidale Waldorf is an independent Steiner education school for students from preschool to Year 12. On 10 June 2026, the school’s new EA came into operation, marking the end of a 12-year campaign led by committed union members determined to achieve better pay and conditions for current and future staff.
For teachers and support staff who had previously relied on the basic modern award, the new agreement represents a significant milestone and a reminder that when union members stand together, they win together.
Buildling a strong chapter
In late 2025, The Armidale Waldorf School, located on the Great Dividing Range on the outskirts of Armidale, held a fair to celebrate 40 years of Steiner education in Armidale.
Less than a year later, staff celebrated another landmark by finalising an EA. Back in May 2014, IEU rep Joanne, a primary school teacher and member since 2013, approached the school to request they consider bargaining for an EA. The school repeatedly rejected this proposal and progress stalled.
But rather than giving up, Joanne continued building support among colleagues.
Alongside long-time IEU member Tim Kemp and other committed union members, she steadily strengthened the chapter, recruiting new members and reinforcing the simple principle that collective action delivers results.
Joanne’s grassroots organising paid off. The primary school has achieved 100 per cent union membership, a powerful demonstration of workplace unity that put members in a strong position during bargaining.
From persistence to progress
The formal process got underway in 2024 when the IEU advised the employer it would seek a Majority Support Determination through the Fair Work Commission, and the employer finally agreed to commence bargaining.
Joanne played a key role in gathering the signatures needed to support that application and remained actively involved throughout what became a lengthy and often challenging bargaining process.
In April this year, members gathered ahead of the EA vote, including several new members attending their first union meeting. They discussed what the proposed agreement would deliver and what the outcome of the vote would mean for staff.
The vote was successful and the agreement was approved on 3 June. The historic first EA came into operation on 10 June 2026.
A win for members – and all staff
The new EA delivers important improvements, including enhanced personal/carer’s leave, paid parental leave and better pay and conditions.
Joanne was determined to created lasting benefits for current colleagues and future employees at the school.
And that next generation of workplace leaders is already emerging. New IEU member Nicola, who previously belonged to her union while working in the public education system, will take on the role of rep for secondary staff, while Joanne continues as the rep in the primary school.
Together, they will continue building on the strong union culture that made this historic achievement possible.
IEU Council acknowledges win
On 20 June 2026 the IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Council formally congratulated the IEU Chapter and paid tribute to Joanne Lowe’s outstanding leadership and perseverance.
Council is the IEU’s ultimate governing body, comprising more than 100 elected delegates from throughout NSW and the ACT. learn more about how the IEU works.
IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Council Motion: The Armidale Waldorf School
The IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Council congratulates The Armidale Waldorf School IEU chapter, particularly noting longstanding IEU rep Joanne Lowe for her dedication and tenacious commitment over many years on behalf of the Chapter in pursuing a union negotiated agreement that ensures staff have improved pay and conditions.
