The IEU supports the National Walk Off on 15 July and encourages members to attend a rally to keep the pressure on the Federal Government to recognise this is a priority.
The success of the Worker Retention Payment (WRP) program has now expanded to nearly 200,000 employees across more than 10,000 employers, delivering a desperately needed 15% pay rise.
“We are already seeing the benefits gained through the Worker Retention Payment, but these benefits cannot be sustained without ongoing government support,” says IEU NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Carol Matthews.
“We need the government to step up and make the funding permanent to secure a stable and sustainable future for early childhood education”.
In 2024, we stood together to fight for the pay rise.
In 2026, we stand again to defend what we fought for and to lock-in the pay rise permanently.
IEU member participation
The Walk Off is not protected industrial action.
Teachers and educators can only participate in the Walk Off with the permission of their employer. We recommend that you ask for permission in writing from your employer.
Details:
- Date: 15 July 2026
- Locations: Many locations around Australia
Attending the National Walk Off? Send your snaps to comms@ieu.asn.au.
A number of ECEC providers are also supporting the Walk Off. They include: OAC, SDN Children’s Services, Goodstart Early Learning, C & K, Community Children’s Centres, NIDO Early School.
Peak bodies supporting the Walk Off include: CELA and It Takes a Village.
Permanent funding required for stability and sustainability
The IEU will continue to press the Federal Government to commit to ongoing funding for wage increases in ECEC but to date they have not committed to doing so.
IEUA Federal Secretary Brad Hayes in March wrote to the Early Childhood Education Minister, Senator Jess Walsh, about whether the federal government would provide funding to make the pay rises permanent. Read letter
IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Carol Matthews says, “For far too long, the work of early childhood education and care workers has been undervalued, resulting in workforce shortages that threatens the quality of education and care provided to children and families. We need a permanent solution to the problem.”
More info:
- May 2026: Worker Retention Payment – Union calls for 15% pay rises to be permanent
- 15 April 2026: IEU Speaks on extending support for ECEC wages
- March 2026: Securing long day care pay rises
