Did you know the IEU advocates for better pay and conditions, and provides individual support to members? Don’t leave yourself unprotected. Find out why joining the union is something you can’t put off.
Joining the IEU – FAQs
1. How does being in the union lead to better pay?
Unions provide employees 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 (ABS), union members have median weekly earnings that are 18.6% higher than the earnings of non-members (as of 2024).
2. What industrial protections does the union offer?
The IEU offers its members a comprehensive range of industrial protections where workplace issues arise. This includes assistance with a wide range of disputes, grievances, complaints, allegations and health and safety issues.
3. 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 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.
4. How can joining the union assist with workload?
The IEU can negotiate better working conditions when membership is high. Like with salaries, it is difficult to get improvements when employees act individually rather than as a group. Unions give employees 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.
5. What happens if a complaint is made against me?
Union members managing individual problems have access to trained union organisers and expert industrial officers who are there to provide support and advocacy. Members who are facing performance management, or are the subject of a complaint or allegation, receive comprehensive support, including assistance with correspondence, support at meetings, industrial advice, and representation. Non-members may find themselves facing significant costs and emotional distress if not represented by their union.
6. How can the union protect me against unfair or discriminatory treatment?
Union officers have significant experience in identifying and addressing unfair or discriminatory conduct. In some cases, such actions may be unlawful, and the IEU may provide representation in various jurisdictions, including the Fair Work Commission (FWC), Anti-Discrimination NSW, the ACT Human Rights Commission (ACT HRC) and the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). Such representation is provided on a case-by-case basis.
7. What if I’m not being paid correctly?
The union can assist with calculating any underpayment and can represent members in recouping lost wages.
8. Can the union help if I am terminated?
Yes. Depending on why you were terminated, the union may be able to assist by filing an application in the Fair Work Commission disputing the validity of the termination and/or negotiating terms of settlement with your employer.
9. Is joining the union expensive?
It can be argued that NOT joining the union is expensive. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), employees in workplaces with strong unions earn more than those in non-union workplaces. Teachers and support staff covered by union negotiated Agreements are substantially better off than those covered by non-union agreements or awards. For example, a teacher being paid under the Modern Award is over $30 000 a year worse off than those being paid under a union negotiated Enterprise Agreement.
Non-members needing to engage their own legal representation when issues arise may face significant costs.
10. Are my fees tax deductible?
Union fees are 100% tax deductible.
11. What happens if I have a problem and I’m not a member?
Unfortunately, the union cannot provide support to non-members who are managing pre-existing issues in the workplace. We are a member-based organisation, and our primary duty is to our members. The union recognises that a lack of available support can be devastating for non-members who may find themselves unrepresented or facing significant costs, hence we encourage you to join.