Catholic systemic schools

The IEU is the union for teachers and support staff in non-government schools.

We’re your voice at the bargaining table, negotiationg for better pay and working conditions for members in Catholic systemic schools across 11 Catholic dioceses in NSW and the ACT.

There are more than 500 schools in the Catholic system, and the IEU has members in teaching and other education support roles.

Through custom and practice, the Catholic systemic employers offer pay and conditions of employment that are aligned with those in the government sector.

The IEU, in its role as bargaining representative for employees, ensures that members receive no less than their government school counterparts. The IEU has successfully negotiated Work Practices agreements with most employers, which are regularly updated and improved to better manage the workload expectations and work practices impacting our members.

Power of collective action

The union secured strong pay rises after thousands of members took to the streets in 2022, including a joint rally with the NSW Teachers Federation. That action delivered measurable wins:

NSW teachers received salary increases of 8% to 12% from October 2023
ACT teachers received salary increases of 11% to 19% from August 2023
general employees won pay rises of 6.5% to 20% over a 12-month period
parental leave was expanded for both initial and non‑initial primary caregivers.

These historic improvements in pay and conditions only happened because members stood together. Collective action delivers real results.

Following a long battle, in 2023 we achieved salary parity for support staff working in catholic systemic schools. We also welcomed the Diocese of Broken Bay in making a separate enterprise agreement that offers rates of pay above those in NSW government schools. This step was unprecedented, but a pathway to ensure IEU members receive the conditions they deserve.

Delivering better pay and conditions

In 2025, the union negotiated new EAs for teachers and support staff in 10 Catholic dioceses in NSW and the ACT that delivered pay rises, including a potential cost-of-living payment as well as improvements to parental leave and ceremonial leave for First Nations employees.

A separate EA for teachers and support staff in the Broken Bay Diocese delivered strong improvements in pay and conditions above those paid in government schools.

Catholic systemic principals

The union also negotiated new EAs for Catholic systemic school principals, which provide pay rises, improvements in parental leave entitlements and strengthened workplace wellbeing and safety. In late 2025, principals overwhelmingly voted YES to three new enterprise agreements covering Catholic school principals in NSW and ACT. Read more