ECEC Organiser Lisa James and IEU Delegate Katharina Japri attended SDN enterprise agreement bargaining meetings on 8 September and 6 October.
Unfortunately, the response SDN gave to our claims was disappointing as they are seeking not to make any improvements to existing working conditions. SDN emphasised that their intention is to enable continued access to the Early Childhood Worker Retention Payment until 30 June 2028. In addition, SDN’s 2026 budget is in deficit and there will be a significant financial impact in 2027 due to the loss of Start Strong Program funding for their long day care services.
The next bargaining meeting will be held on 20 October, and the IEU will provide feedback to SDN on their offer at that time. Please provide your feedback regarding SDN’s offer by emailing ECEC@ieu.asn.au.
Our ECEC Organisers are qualified and experienced early childhood professionals who are best placed to support teachers with any workplace issues. Please encourage your non-member colleagues to help us negotiate a better deal for SDN employees by advising them to: Join the IEU
You can read the full bargaining update below or download here.
If you are an early childhood teacher and an IEU member, check out our Facebook group.
