CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN : LATEST NEWS

• News Extra: Catholic Systemic Schools – Update

  For the first time in over 12 months of negotiations, the IEU received a draft Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement (EA) late on Monday 6 March 2023 from Catholic Employment Relations (CER).

  8 Mar 2023

• News Extra: Catholic Systemic Schools – Special Broken Bay Update

  Catholic Schools Broken Bay opts out: For the first time in over 12 months of negotiations, the IEU received a draft “without prejudice” Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement (EA) late on Monday 6 March 2023 from Catholic Employment Relations (CER).

  8 Mar 2023

• IEU Update - Catholic Systemic Schools EA Negotiations

  The IEU continues to push for improvements in pay and conditions for teachers and support staff employed in Catholic systemic schools. Here's an email update sent to members on 21 February 2023.

  21 Feb 2023

• NewsExtra: IEU update on Catholic Systemic Schools EA Negotiations (Hear Our Voice)

  Welcome back to a new school year! Here's the latest update for members on Catholic systemic enterprise agreement negotiations.

  3 Feb 2023

• Media Release: Catholic school staff to stop work on Tuesday 15 November

  Staff in hundreds of Catholic schools throughout NSW and the ACT will stop work for one hour – from 8.30am to 9.30am – on Tuesday 15 November. Numerous others will stop for one hour at different times. This is legally protected industrial action.

  11 Nov 2022

• NewsExtra: Stand up and stop work on November 15!

  The IEU has written to members in Catholic systemic schools with the latest information regarding the stopwork scheduled for Tuesday 15 November from 8.30am to 9.30am.

  10 Nov 2022

• Hear Our Voice campaign: Stopwork action Tuesday 15 November 2022

  IEU members in Catholic systemic schools in NSW and the ACT will take stopwork action to protest the lack of progress in negotiations for a new Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement.

  10 Nov 2022

• Hear Our Voice campaign: Digital resources

  Looking for the latest Hear Our Voice resources to amplify the campaign? Here you’ll find screensavers, wallpapers, and email signatures for you to download and use as part of protected industrial action.

  31 Oct 2022

• NewsExtra: Member update (Hear Our Voice campaign)

  The IEU has written to members in Catholic systemic schools with an update on enterprise agreement bargaining.

  27 Oct 2022

• NewsExtra: EA Bargaining - urgent update (Hear Our Voice campaign)

  The IEU has written to members in Catholic systemic schools with an urgent update on enterprise agreement bargaining.

  10 Oct 2022

• Hear Our Voice campaign: A critical moment

  In recent weeks, the Hear Our Voice campaign has been ramping up. We have reached a critical stage in this lengthy campaign. Here’s the latest.

  21 Sep 2022

• URGENT NOTICE: Catholic Systemic Schools Campaign

  The IEU has written to members in Catholic systemic schools to provide an update in the 'Hear Our Voice' campaign.

  16 Sep 2022

• Catholic systemic schools member update: Enterprise agreement negotiations

  The IEU has written to members in Catholic systemic schools on the progress of the campaign for a new enterprise agreement.

  8 Aug 2022

• Catholic systemic negotiations for an enterprise agreement - Letter to Catholic Employment Relations

  The IEU has today written to Catholic Employment Relations concerning the lack of progress in the current negotiations for a new enterprise agreement.

  29 Jul 2022

• Catholic systemic schools: All members welcome at IEU rallies on Thursday 30 June 2022

  The IEU has called on teachers and support staff members in Catholic systemic schools in NSW and the ACT to stop work on Thursday. However, other members may wish to attend the rallies to show solidarity with their colleagues in Catholic schools. All members are welcome.

  27 Jun 2022

• Ranks swell: 26 more schools join stop work on Thursday 30 June 2022

  IEU members in 537 Catholic systemic schools throughout NSW and the ACT congratulate teachers and support staff from another 26 schools who voted overwhelmingly this week for the right to take protected industrial action in support of new enterprise agreements.

  24 Jun 2022

• Catholic systemic schools: IEU letter to parents regarding full-day stop work on 30 June 2022

  On Thursday 30 June members of the Independent Education Union will stop work for a full day. Teachers in NSW government schools will also stop work for the day. It is the first time in 26 years that both unions have taken action at the same time. Here is our letter to parents and school communities explaining our action and inviting their support.

  24 Jun 2022

• Rally locations: Thursday 30 June 2022

  It's on! Members in Catholic systemic schools in NSW and the ACT are stopping work on Thursday 30 June alongside members of the NSW Teachers Federation. Here's a list of rally and march locations.

  22 Jun 2022

• Media Release: Public and Catholic school teachers to strike on 30 June

  The decision to take 24-hour joint strike action on 30 June was made after a historic joint meeting between the executive of the NSW Teachers Federation and the Independent Education Union of Australia (NSW/ACT).

  21 Jun 2022

• Media Release: Unions call historic meeting as education crisis intensifies

  A historic joint meeting of the NSW Teachers Federation and the IEUA NSW/ACT has been called on 21 June to consider pay offers contained in the NSW budget and from Catholic employers and to determine an appropriate course of action.

  14 Jun 2022

• Urgent update: Catholic systemic schools enterprise agreement

  The IEU has emailed all members in NSW and ACT Catholic diocesan schools with an urgent update on the progress for a new enterprise agreement.

  9 Jun 2022

• Media Release: Full-day strike: Catholic school staff demand better pay and conditions

  Some 18,000 teachers and support staff across 540 Catholic diocesan schools are gearing up for a full-day stop work this Friday 27 May. IEU members will attend 10 rallies and marches throughout NSW and the ACT. This is the first full-day stoppage since 2004.

  26 May 2022

• Catholic systemic schools: IEU letter to parents regarding full-day stop work

  On Friday 27 May 2022, members of the Independent Education Union will be taking protected industrial action in the form of a full-day stop work across NSW and ACT Catholic systemic schools. Here is a letter for parents.

  24 May 2022

• Hear Our Voice: Rally and march information - Friday 27 May 2022

  It's on! Teachers and support staff in Catholic systemic schools are stopping work on Friday 27 May 2022. Here's a full list of the rallies and marches happening throughout NSW and ACT.

  20 May 2022

• Hear Our Voice: IEU Protected Action Ballot Results

  More than 17,000 teachers and support staff in 540 Catholic diocesan schools throughout NSW and the ACT have voted overwhelmingly for the right to take protected industrial action. Here are the results from the Protected Action Ballot.

  19 May 2022

• NewsExtra: Full day stop work: Friday 27 May 2022

  The IEU has emailed all members in NSW and ACT Catholic diocesan schools with important information about the stop work on Friday 27 May that has been endorsed by the IEU Executive.

  19 May 2022

• Catholic systemic schools: IEU Executive endorse full-day stoppage

  The IEU Executive unanimously endorsed a full-day’s stoppage in support of the IEU claims for teachers and support staff in NSW/ACT Catholic systemic schools.

  19 May 2022

• Media Release: Catholic school staff set to take strike action

  More than 17,000 teachers and support staff in 540 Catholic diocesan schools throughout NSW and the ACT have voted overwhelmingly for the right to take protected industrial action in support of five key claims for their new enterprise agreement.

  19 May 2022

• Catholic systemic schools EA: Voting now open

  The protected action ballot has opened for members in 540 Catholic systemic schools. Voting closes Tuesday 17 May 2022 at 5pm. Vote now.

  11 May 2022

• NewsExtra: Protected Action Ballot and EA Update

  The IEU has emailed all members in NSW and ACT Catholic diocesan schools with an update concerning our Hear Our Voice campaign.

  28 Apr 2022

• Catholic Systemic Schools EA: Offer falls short, action inevitable

  The IEU wrote to members in Catholic systemic schools on Thursday 7 April 2022 with an update on the union's meeting with representatives of Catholic dioceses about the new enterprise agreement (EA).

  7 Apr 2022

• Hear Our Voice: Calling all casual teachers

  Casual teachers are crucial to the IEU’s campaign for better pay and conditions for all staff in Catholic diocesan schools. Here’s how you can participate.

  1 Apr 2022

• Enterprise Agreement update: Catholic Independent Schools (Model B and C)

  The IEU has emailed all members in NSW and ACT Catholic Independent Schools (Model B and C) with an Enterprise Agreement update.

  30 Mar 2022

• NewsExtra: IEU Council votes to support protected action

  IEU Council met on Saturday 19 March 2022 to hear a report from union officers about the progress of the negotiations for new enterprise agreements for principals, teachers and support staff employed in Catholic systemic schools in NSW and the ACT.

  22 Mar 2022

• NewsExtra: URGENT Enterprise Agreement Bargaining Update (Catholic Systemic Schools)

  In late 2021 the IEU sent Catholic dioceses in NSW and the ACT a detailed claim on behalf of teachers and support staff that had been endorsed by members. This claim was also set out for members in a NewsExtra in early February. Read more...

  14 Mar 2022

• NewsExtra: Catholic Systemic Schools EA 2022

  The IEU has emailed all members in NSW and ACT Catholic diocesan schools with an update on negotiations for a new Enterprise Agreement.

  4 Feb 2022

• Catholic Systemic Schools: Letter to Diocesan Directors

  The union wrote to all Diocesan Directors today concerning the IEU's claims for principals, teachers and support staff employed in diocesan schools in NSW and the ACT. The union is seeking commencement of enterprise bargaining.

  30 Nov 2021

• Catholic Systemic Schools 2022 Pay and Conditions Claim

  The enterprise agreements applying to teachers and support staff in Catholic Systemic schools in NSW and the ACT expire on 31 December.

  2 Nov 2021

• COVID-19 and Return to Schools – Letter to Diocesan Directors

  The union wrote to all Diocesan Directors today concerning the current COVID-19 situation, mandatory vaccination, safe return to school and access to leave. The union is seeking discussions with employers about these issues in the coming weeks.

  8 Sep 2021

• Renewals of WWCC during lockdown

  The union has received some enquiries from members concerned about the renewal of their Working With Children Check (WWCC) during lockdown.

  14 Jul 2021

• IEU requests vaccination leave in schools

  Below is a letter from the IEU sent to all Diocesan Directors.

  30 Jun 2021

• Staff vacancy: Make your voice heard

  The IEU is conducting a brief survey concerning staffing shortages in Catholic systemic schools in NSW and ACT. The union has previously conducted a survey for regional dioceses, and now we are calling for contributions from metropolitan areas.

  7 Jun 2021

• The CER/IEU Joint Working Party meets to look at School Clerical and Administrative Roles

  Update for Catholic Systemic school support staff members.

  27 Apr 2021

• Parental rights bill unworkable and unsafe

  The NSW Parliament is currently considering two pieces of legislation that have been proposed by One Nation’s Mark Latham.

  21 Apr 2021

• Drastic casual teacher drought causing chaos

  Catholic systemic schools in non-metro dioceses are facing grim casual teacher shortages.

  25 Mar 2021

• IEU survey on staff shortages

  IEU Reps and IEU Principal members in Catholic systemic schools have advised the union of the difficulties some schools are having in attracting staff, resulting in staff shortages. This issue has also been raised at IEU Principals’ Sub Branch meetings.

  11 Mar 2021

• What the new Catholic Systemic EA means for you

  New Catholic systemic agreement includes pay rises and disaster and domestic violence leave. Following a resounding ‘yes’ vote by systemic schools staff, the NSW and ACT Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement 2020 was considered and ratified by the Fair Work Commission on 14 January 2021 and came into effect on 21 January 2021.

  15 Feb 2021

• Catholic systemic support staff: Time to get equal

  Anyone who works in a school knows it cannot function without its dedicated support staff. Now these staff in Catholic systemic schools are striving for pay parity with their state school counterparts.

  10 Dec 2020

• 98% vote ‘Yes’ for new Catholic Systemic EA

  Congratulations to the thousands of members in Catholic Systemic schools who voted in favour of a new Enterprise Agreement. A fantastic 98% of votes went in favour of the union endorsed deal, that will secure 2.3% pay rises for next year as well as make meaningful impacts on your accreditation and entitlements.

  25 Nov 2020

• NewsExtra: Catholic independent schools - Model A

  An enterprise bargaining update for members in the Model A grouping of Catholic independent schools, bargaining as a separate group for new Teachers and Support Staff Multi-Enterprise Agreements (MEAs).

  25 Nov 2020

• Voting issue at Sydney Catholic Schools: Religious Education Coordinators left off voting list

  The union has established that 167 Religious Education Coordinators in Sydney Catholic Schools were incorrectly left off the voting list for the new Enterprise Agreement. New instructions have been sent out late this afternoon, Thursday 12 November.

  12 Nov 2020

• Known voting issue affecting support staff in Diocese of Wagga Wagga

  The union has been made aware that at least 109 support staff in the Catholic Education Diocese of Wagga Wagga have been incorrectly left off the list to vote on the new Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement 2020. The union has identified the issue, and the issue has been raised with the diocesan leadership for rectification.

  12 Nov 2020

• Experiencing difficulties voting for the Catholic Systemic Enterprise Agreement 2020?

  Are you experiencing difficulties with the voting process for the Catholic Systemic Enterprise Agreement 2020? Members should have received an email yesterday inviting you to cast your vote for the Catholic Systemic Enterprise Agreement 2020. Please ensure you cast your vote in the ballot about the enterprise agreement being conducted by the Australian Election Company on behalf of your employer.

  10 Nov 2020

• Why Catholic Systemic support staff should vote 'YES': NewsExtra Catholic Systemic schools Enterprise Agreement 2020

  The NSW and ACT Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement 2020 (the EA) provides pay rises of 2.5% from January 2020 and a further pay rise of 2.28% from January 2021 for support staff (referred to as General Employees in the EA). This is the same as the pay increases for teachers in NSW.

  10 Nov 2020

• Vote YES: Catholic Systemic schools principals Enterprise Agreement NewsExtra

  After a prolonged campaign, union negotiations have finally concluded on the NSW and ACT Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement 2020 (the main EA). Following the conclusion of those negotiations, agreement has also been reached on the NSW and ACT Catholic Systemic Schools Principals Enterprise Agreement 2020 (the Principals EA).

  5 Nov 2020

• NewsExtra: Vote YES Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement

  After a prolonged campaign, union negotiations have finally concluded on the NSW and ACT Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement 2020 (the EA). Employees in all dioceses have been asked to vote on the new EA in the period from Monday 9 November – Friday 13 November. The IEU is urging a YES vote.

  29 Oct 2020

• Catholic systemic schools: Vote on Enterprise Agreement

  Teachers and support staff in NSW and ACT Catholic systemic schools will vote on their new NSW and ACT Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement 2020 (the EA) in early November, most likely from Monday 9 November to Friday 13 November.

  28 Oct 2020

• NewsExtra: Catholic Systemic schools EA update

  The union is close to finalising new enterprise agreements (EAs) to apply to employees in Catholic systemic schools in NSW and the ACT. The union has been in extensive negotiations with the Catholic Commission for Employment Relations and we now expect to be able to endorse a new NSW and ACT Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement 2020 for voting by employees in late October or early November.

  25 Sep 2020

• NewsExtra: Maitland-Newcastle Diocese EA update

  The union is close to finalising a new Enterprise Agreement (EA) to apply to employees in Catholic systemic schools in NSW and the ACT. However, the union has struck a hurdle in negotiations with the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle concerning the Work Practice Agreements (WPAs) that sit alongside the EA as the Diocese has sought to reduce existing conditions.

  24 Aug 2020

• Vote YES: Enterprise Agreements for teachers and support staff in Catholic Independent Schools Model B and C

  The union received an improved offer from the Catholic Commission for Employment Relations (CCER) in July for the Multi-Enterprise Agreements (MEAs) to cover teachers and support staff in Model B and Model C Catholic independent schools. This followed meetings of members in over 30 schools.

  13 Aug 2020

• Catholic systemic support staff working parties

  IEU members have an opportunity to further progress discussions in relation to support staff pay increases. Support staff members in Catholic systemic schools are invited to participate in one of a series of virtual meetings.

  7 Aug 2020

• Union WIN: Dioceses agree to payment of 2.5% salary increase and back payment

  The IEU has received confirmation from the Catholic Commission for Employment Relations (CCER) of all 11 dioceses’ willingness to pay the 2.5% salary increase for principals, teachers and support staff in NSW and ACT Catholic systemic schools, due since 1 January 2020.

  8 Jul 2020

• EA bargaining update - Catholic systemic schools

  The union continued bargaining for a Catholic Systemic Schools Enterprise Agreement this afternoon with representatives from the Catholic Commission for Employment Relations (CCER).

  26 Jun 2020

• What is arbitration - and why do we need it?

  As part of our claim for a new Enterprise Agreement for Catholic independent schools (Model B and Model C), the union is insisting upon a disputes procedures clause, allowing members the guaranteed right to access arbitration.

  22 Jun 2020

• Letters sent to Sydney & Parramatta diocesan directors - Enterprise Bargaining for principals

  The IEU sent letters to the directors of Sydney and Parramatta Catholic dioceses on Friday 12 June clarifying their position regarding ongoing bargaining for a new Enterprise Agreement for principals.

  16 Jun 2020

• Letter to diocesan directors regarding Work Practices Agreements

  The union has written to diocesan directors following constructive discussions that have occurred between the union and CCER about the making of a new enterprise agreement for teachers and support staff in Catholic systemic schools.

  15 Jun 2020

• Catholic systemic EA update

  Here's the latest update about the union's negotiations for a new Enterprise Agreement for Catholic systemic schools in NSW and ACT.

  10 Jun 2020

• EA bargaining update for Catholic independent schools (Model B and C)

  The Catholic Commission for Employment Relations (CCER) wrote to the union on 1 June with their position on new enterprise agreements (EAs) for teachers and support staff in approximately 30 Catholic independent schools covered by Model B and Model C multi-enterprise agreements. As you would be aware, the current EAs expired at the end of 2019.

  10 Jun 2020

• Bargaining update for Model B and Model C Catholic independent schools

  The union met with the Catholic Commission for Employment Relations (CCER) on Thursday 21 May to discuss new enterprise agreements for teachers and support staff in approximately 30 Catholic independent schools covered by Model B and Model C Enterprise Agreements.

  26 May 2020

• ACT Catholic systemic schools EA Update: Pay rise due

  A pay rise was due for teachers in NSW and for support staff and principals in both NSW and the ACT in January 2020. For teachers in the ACT a pay rise will be due from July 2020. Additional pay increases will also occur in 2021 under the enterprise agreement applying to teachers in ACT government schools and under awards applying to employees in NSW government schools.

  21 May 2020

• NSW Catholic systemic schools EA update: Pay rise overdue

  A pay rise was due for teachers, support staff and principals in NSW Catholic schools in January 2020. A pay increase is necessary to re-establish pay parity with the existing wages paid in NSW government schools. Additional pay increases will also occur in 2021 under awards applying to employees in NSW government schools.

  21 May 2020

• CCER responds to union request around EA negotiations

  Catholic Commission for Employment Relations (CCER) has responded to the union’s correspondence from 7 May, in which we informed CCER that to further delay bargaining beyond Week 7 because of COVID-19 is unreasonable and unfair to our members.

  18 May 2020

• Catholic systemic Enterprise Agreement negotiations

  The IEU met with Catholic employer representatives immediately prior to the Easter vacation period. The employers determined it was inappropriate to continue negotiating during the COVID-19 crisis, and negotiations were decided to be suspended until week 7 in Term 2.

  11 May 2020

• Return to school - information for members

  With the increasing return of students back to school, the IEU believes that work health and safety requirements must be in place for students and staff at all schools. Please fill out our survey about work health and safety measures in place in school, so the IEU can get a picture of whether our members are safe, and act to rectify any issues.

  6 May 2020

• A message of thanks and solidarity to IEU members

  On behalf of your union, we want to thank you – for your courage, your resilience and your solidarity.

  9 Apr 2020

• Industrial updates

  Find out about progress on agreements in Catholic schools and NSW Christian Schools.

  30 Mar 2020

• CCER responds to IEU correspondence

  The union has received a letter from CCER, responding to the union's 19 March letter pertaining to the current issues emerging for staff and students in the current COVID-19 health crisis.

  24 Mar 2020

• NSW Catholic schools to remain open

  Catholic Schools NSW have announced in a media statement this morning that Catholic Schools in NSW will remain open for the duration of term one.

  22 Mar 2020

• IEU position for Catholic schools regarding COVID-19

  In light of the unfolding health crisis and recent developments concerning Catholic schools remaining open in the foreseeable future, the IEU is requesting the following concerns be addresses as a matter of urgency. These matters are causing distress to our members as long as schools remain open.

  19 Mar 2020

• Keep teachers and support staff at centre of COVID-19 talks

  The IEUA NSW/ACT Branch is calling for immediate crisis talks with employers representing non government schools and early learning centres about the vexed issue of social distancing and other concerns in the face of COVID-19.

  18 Mar 2020

• Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst extends entitlements to casual employees

  The union is gratified to see the Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst following the spirit of the union's recommendations to employers, and joining the diocese of Wollongong in extending employee entitlements to casual employees.

  16 Mar 2020

• Wollongong Catholic schools' response to COVID-19 a high standard

  The announcement today from the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong, clarifying specific leave entitlements for employees with regards to the COVID-19 health crisis, has been well received by the Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT Branch.

  12 Mar 2020

• Coronavirus advice for Catholic systemic schools

  This advice only applies to employees working in Diocesan Catholic Education/Schools Offices (CEOs). The union has received a response from Catholic Commission for Employment Relations (CCER) on behalf of Catholic systemic schools across NSW and ACT in relation to the impact of coronavirus on employees.

  12 Mar 2020

• Bathurst Catholic employers won't talk

  Teachers and support staff in Catholic schools in the Bathurst Diocese in central west NSW and their union representatives were left frustrated on Wednesday 26 February when the newly appointed Executive Director of Schools for the diocese, Christina Trimble, cancelled negotiations for a new Work Practices Agreement at short notice. The current agreement expired in December 2019.

  28 Feb 2020

• Update on EA negotiations: Catholic systemic schools

  The union has been meeting with the Catholic Commission for Employment Relations (CCER) concerning a new enterprise agreement to apply to teachers and support staff from January 2020. CCER has so far agreed to a number of the union's claims, but many key issues remain outstanding.

  28 Feb 2020

• Talks underway on transfer of employment in Diocese of Lismore

  Lismore Catholic Schools Office (CSO) representatives have met with the IEU to discuss the long-foreshadowed transition to a new corporate entity, the Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Limited (DLCSL).

  25 Feb 2020

• Update on enterprise agreement negotiations for Catholic systemic schools

  The IEU is meeting the Catholic Commission for Employment Relations again this week to continue discussing our claims for a new enterprise agreement for teachers and support staff in Catholic systemic schools. While we've managed to secure a number of positions, there are a number of issues that remain outstanding.

  10 Feb 2020

• EA bargaining update - NSW/ACT Catholic systemic schools

  The union met formally with CCER to commence preliminary negotiations over the union’s proposed enterprise agreement on behalf of teachers and support staff in Catholic systemic schools in NSW and ACT.

  18 Nov 2019

• Catholic Schools Office staff to take industrial action

  Professional officers, education officers and administrative staff working at the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese Catholic Schools Office (CSO) will stop work for two hours on Wednesday, 20 November from 8.30am to 10.30am.

  14 Nov 2019

• Bargaining begins for new EA

  IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary John Quessy announces the start of bargaining for a new Catholic Systemic EA, in a message to members.

  24 Oct 2019

• Catholic systemic school staff - do you know your claim?

  The NSW and ACT Catholic systemic schools enterprise agreement expires on 31 December this year and Union members are now being asking to meet and endorse a new claim.

  6 Aug 2019

• Wilcannia-Forbes: Members vote in support of a WPA

  Members in the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese have voted to endorse the Union's claim for a Work Practices Agreement.

  4 Jul 2019

• Long service leave for Sydney Diocese Catholic school staff

  IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary, John Quessy has sent a letter to IEU reps in Sydney Catholic systemic...

  21 Jun 2018

• Catholic systemic school EA 2017 and workload agreements now available

  Catholic systemic school's have voted 'yes' to a proposed Enterprise Agreement.

  31 May 2018

• News release: 98% ‘yes’ vote for Catholic schools agreement

  Teachers and support staff in Catholic schools in the ACT and NSW have overwhelming backed a new enterprise agreement, with a resounding 98% voting in favour of its adoption.

  24 May 2018

• Latest: IEU members in Catholic systemic schools support new EA

  Teachers and support staff across 11 dioceses have voted to adopt a new Enterprise Agreement...

  24 May 2018

• Vote quickly, voting closes Wednesday 23 May 5 pm

  Voting is now open for the new proposed EA for teachers and support staff in all Catholic systemic schools...

  21 May 2018

• News release: Catholic teachers to vote ‘yes’ to new enterprise agreement

  Catholic teachers and support staff in NSW and ACT schools will vote ‘yes’ to a new...

  11 May 2018

• Update:Settlement imminent on the Catholic Systemic Enterprise Agreement

  The Union is on the brink of celebrating the full and final settlement...

  3 May 2018

• Catholic systemic schools EA update: When can you vote on a new EA?

  (Video Transcript) Hello, this is a further Enterprise Agreement update...

  28 Mar 2018

• Message to members in Catholic systemic schools - thank you

  IEU Secretary John Quessy has sent a message to members in Catholic systemic schools, thanking them for their "strong voice" throughout the campaign.

  14 Dec 2017

• More dioceses commit to backpay

  Well done members! CEOs in almost all dioceses have committed to backpay teachers and support staff.

  13 Dec 2017

• In three dioceses, employers commit to backpay by end December!

  Members your actions have done it! Catholic employers in the Dioceses of Wagga Wagga, Parramatta and Broken Bay have sent a letter to staff informing them of the prompt delivery of their backpay.

  13 Dec 2017

• Support staff urged to vote NO to employers' EA

  A letter has been distributed to Catholic school support staff explaining why the agreement being offered to them by Catholic employers strips them of their basic working rights.

  8 Dec 2017

• Australian Election Company responds to members' concerns on EA voting

  Members in Catholic systemic schools have reported technical issues as voting commences for a non-Union EA. These concerns were relayed by the Union to the Australian Election Company.

  7 Dec 2017

• CCER launches blatant attack on the Union

  Letters have been distributed across 11 dioceses in NSW and ACT to Catholic school staff by CSO and CEO directors, blatantly attacking the Union's position and accusing it of spreading mistruths. Already several days into the vote for a new enterprise agreement, the move is a desperate attempt by CCER to sway their members to vote for the agreement, even though it puts all their working and pay conditions at risk.

  7 Dec 2017

• Those in the know vote NO

  As the Catholic employers' proposed EA goes to the vote today, many members have already contacted the Union informing them of their NO vote. Members recognise that their rights are in peril. They recognise that if they don't prevent this EA from passing through, then they could lose the right to arbitration forever.

  5 Dec 2017

• Union responds to members' concerns regarding EA voting

  IEU Catholic school staff members have expressed their concern with the electronic voting ballot for their new Enterprise Agreement, citing technical failures. The Union has sent a letter to the Australian Electoral Commission detailing the issues and requesting an urgent solution.

  5 Dec 2017

• "Solidarity to you all" - Letter of support from Sally McManus

  ACTU Secretary Sally McManus has written a letter of support to IEU members as they take stop work action on Monday 4 December.

  4 Dec 2017

• Letter to Catholic school parents

  A letter has been distributed to parents in Catholic schools regarding the forthcoming strike action being taken by Catholic school staff.

  1 Dec 2017

• Take action now

  Send an email to your Federal MP demanding that the Fair Work Act be amended to provide for the arbitration of disputes referred by either part to the dispute and tell your story of why it matters to you.

  1 Dec 2017

• News release: Catholic teachers escalate strike action

  Thousands of Catholic school teachers and support staff across NSW and the ACT will stop work on Monday, 4 December for four hours in the next round of industrial action to protest Catholic employers’ stubborn refusal to strike a reasonable bargain.

  30 Nov 2017

• Venues of stop work rallies - 4 December 2017

  Rallies and stop work meetings will be held in the locations listed below.

  29 Nov 2017

• Vote NO to employers' EA (video)

  IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary John Quessy has released a video encouraging members in Catholic systemic schools to vote NO to employers' EA.

  29 Nov 2017

• Overwhelming success in Union vote for protected action

  Nearly all of the 110 Chapters that participated in the Union’s recent electronic vote for protected action were successful.

  28 Nov 2017

• Save the Date - Stop work Monday 4 December 2017

  IEU will be calling all members in Catholic systemic schools who are able to take protected action to stop work on Monday 4 December to protest against the Employers’ Enterprise Agreement.

  28 Nov 2017

• CCER oppose IEU stop work action because of “festival”

  CCER executive director Tony Farley and IEU Secretary John Quessy have exchanged letters regarding the Australian Catholic Youth Festival occurring next week, which Farley insists should dissuade IEU from taking stop work action.

  27 Nov 2017

• Vote NO to the Catholic Employers' "Agreement"

  In an unprecedented action, Catholic employers have circulated a proposed Enterprise Agreement to teachers and staff across all 11 dioceses. Never before, anywhere in the country, have they proposed an agreement that is not endorsed by the Union.

  24 Nov 2017

• IEU receives messages of support

  IEU branches from around the country have sent messages of solidarity to IEU NSW/ACT members as they take industrial action over a dispute with the Catholic Commission of Employee Relations, who are denying Catholic school teachers and support staff the right to arbitration.

  23 Nov 2017

• Stop press: Vote NO to proposed EA

  As Newsmonth goes to press, employers have circulated their proposed enterprise agreement to Catholic systemic schools.

  22 Nov 2017

• Over 100 schools ballot for action

  This week, over one hundred schools in 11 Catholic dioceses will undertake protected action ballots in a bid to take further industrial action against the Catholic Commission of Employment Relations.

  21 Nov 2017

• OECTA sends message in support of industrial action

  Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association President, Liz Stuart has sent a letter to IEU president, Chris Wilkinson in support of the industrial action taken by IEU members in response to CCER's refusal to include an effective arbitration clause in their latest enterprise agreement.

  3 Nov 2017

• Sydney stop work rally broadcast on Facebook Live

  Today, Catholic school teachers in Sydney took industrial action and rallied in protest to CCER's decision to obstruct their right to arbitraiton in their latest enterprise agreement.

  1 Nov 2017

• IEU calls stop work - Armidale, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong

  Protected action ballots were granted by the AEC for schools across NSW and the ACT. The Union is asking members to stop work from the commencement of duty to 12.30 pm on the dates set out above.

  31 Oct 2017

• News release: Catholic teachers to strike

  Teachers and support staff in Archdiocese of Sydney Catholic systemic schools will stop work on the morning of Wednesday, 1 November to fight for their right to arbitration.

  31 Oct 2017

• IEU informs parents about industrial action

  IEU has made this letter available to parents of students in NSW and ACT Catholic systemic schools, which are taking industrial action.

  31 Oct 2017

• Venues announced for stop work rallies

  Catholic schools around NSW and ACT are taking industrial action to protest CCER's refusal to grant access to an independent umpire in their latest Enterprise Agreement.

  31 Oct 2017

• IEU calls stop work - Canberra and Goulburn Catholic schools

  Protected action ballots have been granted by the AEC for 22 schools in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, including most secondary schools and many primary schools. The Union is asking members to stop work from the commencement of duty until 12.30pm on Thursday 2 November.

  28 Oct 2017

• IEU calls stop work - Maitland and Newcastle Catholic schools

  Protected action ballots have been granted by the AEC for 35 schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. The Union is asking members to stop work from the commencement of duty until 12.30pm on Thursday 2 November.

  28 Oct 2017

• IEU calls stop work - Parramatta Catholic schools

  Protected action ballots have been granted by the AEC for over 130 schools in the metropolitan area. The Union is asking members in the Parramatta Diocese to stop work from the commencement of duty until 12.30pm on Thursday 2 November.

  28 Oct 2017

• IEU calls stop work - Sydney and Broken Bay Catholic schools

  Protected action ballots have been granted by the AEC for over 100 schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney and the Diocese of Broken Bay. The Union is asking members in these schools to stop work from the commencement of duty until 12.30pm on Wednesday 1 November.

  28 Oct 2017

• Message for Broken Bay/Sydney Catholic Systemic schools that voted yes

  It's time for action.

  25 Oct 2017

• AEC grants and declares protected action ballots

  The AEC has granted and declared protected action ballots in Catholic systemic schools.

  11 Oct 2017

• Catholic schools video update 6: Transcript

  It is Monday October 9th and this is my 6th update for our members in the 11 Catholic Dioceses.

  9 Oct 2017

• Catholic systemic schools holding attendance ballots

  Listed below are the schools where the AEC will hold Protected Action Ballots at school on the dates and times indicated.

  6 Oct 2017

• Don't delay - have your say

  During the second week of the school holidays most members in Catholic Systemic schools should receive ballot papers asking you to vote on industrial action.

  28 Sep 2017

• Catholic schools video update 5 transcript

  This is update number 5 for Catholic schools. Today is September the 20th.

  20 Sep 2017

• Industrial action: Vote YES!

  Ballots will begin arriving at your home address in the last week of holidays.

  19 Sep 2017

• Did you get this from your employer?

  CCER has sent a statement to employees in Catholic systemic schools regarding their new Enterprise Agreement. Here is the Union's response.

  19 Sep 2017

• Union wins right to industrial action: video update

  IEU Secretary John Quessy has released another video update regarding the progress of the new Enterprise Agreement for Catholic systemic schools. In the video Quessy states that "the Fair Work Commission has granted the Union's application for Protected Action Ballots" and "IEU is currently negotiating the timetable for those ballots with the Australian Electoral Commission."

  13 Sep 2017

• Lismore CSO EA: Fact Check 2

  Another letter has been distributed by Catholic Employers in the Lismore Diocese regarding the progress of the Enterprise Agreement.

  12 Sep 2017

• Breaking news: FWC grants IEU’s application for Protected Action Ballots

  Last night the FWC granted the IEU’s application for Protected Action Ballots in the 11 Catholic Dioceses.

  8 Sep 2017

• Thanks for your help

  Appreciation goes to Catholic systemic sector principals for their understanding and support during the current negotiations for the next enterprise agreement for teachers and general employees.

  7 Sep 2017

• IEU receives letter of support from OECTA

  IEU has received a letter from the president of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association, Liz Stuart, in support of its position in the ongoing dispute with CCER.

  5 Sep 2017

• News release: Employers put up roadblocks

  Catholic school teachers and support staff across NSW and the ACT are fighting for their right to take industrial action after the employer created a series of legal roadblocks to the Union's quest to be granted permission to strike by the Fair Work Commission.

  31 Aug 2017

• IEU release video update after FWC hearing

  ​​​​​Today, IEU Secretary John Quessy informed members on the progress of IEU's application for protect action ballots to the Fair Work Commission through a video message.

  30 Aug 2017

• IEU releases EA update video

  IEU Secretary John Quessy has informed members on the progress of their Enterprise Agreement through a two minute video published on Facebook and YouTube. The move comes ahead of IEU's application for a protected action ballot order to the Fair Work Commission today, 29 August 2017.

  29 Aug 2017

• Lismore CSO EA: Fact Check

  If you work for the Lismore diocese you will have received this letter from your Catholic Employers. Again, they’ve not told the whole truth.

  28 Aug 2017

• Where is our Enterprise Agreement really at?

  IEU has received many questions from members in Catholic systemic schools on the progress of the current EA discussions with CCER. The Catholic employers have been spreading misinformation on the status of the Agreement and the IEU will clarify what is actually occurring (especially re the dispute over arbitration) through a Facebook Live Q&A event, this Thursday 17 August at 4 pm.

  24 Aug 2017

• IEU Q&A Facebook Live August

  On Facebook Live yesterday, IEU Secretary John Quessy answered members' questions about its dispute with CCER over the new Enterprise Agreement for Catholic systemic schools, especially in regards to arbitration.

  18 Aug 2017

• News release: Teachers should not sign NAPLAN confidentiality agreement

  The Independent Education Union (IEU) is advising its members not to sign confidentiality agreements in relation to the administration of NAPLAN online testing.

  14 Aug 2017

• IEU releases petition to resolve outstanding issues with EA

  On Friday 11 August, IEU requested members to sign a petition to be submitted to CCER to resolve outstanding issues with the proposed EA, including those surrounding arbitration.

  14 Aug 2017

• Update: Catholic employers oppose the right to take protected action

  By 2 August 2017, over 500 schools across NSW and the ACT supported the IEU motion to commence the process for protected action ballots. Given this overwhelming response, the Union applied to the Fair Work Commission for protected action ballot orders (PABOs).

  10 Aug 2017

• Workforce NSW reports: Catholic schools set to strike

  Catholic systemic teachers look set to instigate rolling strikes in September over an alleged failure by employer Catholic Commission of Employment Relations (CCER) to recognise their right to arbitration.

  2 Aug 2017

• There is NO agreement

  NO agreement has been reached by the IEU and Catholic employers

  2 Aug 2017

• Unions NSW and all affiliates support IEU staff in Catholic systemic schools

  On Thursday 27 July, IEU informed Mark Morey, Secretary of Unions NSW of the dispute between the IEU and Catholic employers throughout NSW and the ACT.

  28 Jul 2017

• IEU Q&A goes Facebook Live

  On Facebook Live today, John Quessy, Secretary IEUA NSW/ACT Branch answered members' questions about the Catholic schools campaign.

  27 Jul 2017

• News release: Catholic schools staff plan industrial action

  Catholic school teachers and support staff across NSW and the ACT are planning a series of rolling stop work actions to defend their right to a fair hearing in front of the industrial umpire.

  24 Jul 2017

• IEU calls for protected action

  The Union has not been able to reach agreement with the Catholic Commission of Employment Relations (CCER) concerning the new enterprise agreement (EA) to apply to NSW and ACT Catholic systemic schools.

  20 Jul 2017

• Update: Catholic systemic schools EA for teachers and general employees

  The Catholic Commission for Employment Relations (CCER) has disputed the right to arbitration under the existing systemic EA clause.

  20 Jul 2017

• Catholic independent schools EA – at last

  Support and operational staff enterprise agreements in over 30 NSW Catholic independent schools have recently been approved by Fair Work Commission (FWC).

  19 Jul 2017

• Action in Catholic systemic schools

  Support staff and teachers are voting for action to support their Union in negotiations with the Catholic employers.

  19 Jul 2017

• Update: Catholic systemic schools EA

  Negotiations between the Union and the Catholic Commission for Employment Relations (CCER) have reached a critical point as we await a response from the employers on significant elements of the IEU claim for teachers and support staff.

  15 Jun 2017

• Maitland-Newcastle CSO restructure – what you need to know

  Union seeks to protect members.

  15 Jun 2017

• IEU Reps Update : Catholic Systemic Schools

  At the meeting of 18 March 2017 IEU Council authorised the calling of protected industrial action including part and full day stop work action, on a diocese by diocese basis.

  24 Mar 2017

• Employers delay on IEU Claim for Catholic systemic schools

  The IEU is seeking pay rises and greater regulation to address the increasing workload pressures felt by members as part of our claim in the current round of enterprise bargaining.

  14 Mar 2017

• Dioceses in denial: industrial action possible

  Members will recall the current enterprise agreement (EA) for teachers and support staff in NSW and ACT Catholic systemic schools expired at the end of 2016.

  1 Mar 2017

• Agreement preferred

  Stella Maris College Manly support and operational staff have signed a petition requesting a single enterprise agreement for their school.

  6 Feb 2017

• Better status and pay

  In early November the Union made a claim with the Catholic employers for teachers and support staff in NSW and the ACT.

  6 Feb 2017

• Catholic systemic schools: IEU pursues pay and conditions claim

  The NSW Government has agreed to a 2.5% pay rise from January in 2017, 2018 and 2019 for teachers in public schools and there is also an agreement in place in ACT public schools.

  1 Feb 2017

• Union Notifies Maitland-Newcastle Employer Of Impending Industrial Action

  23 Jun 2014