Since our initial foundation in the 1950’s as the Assistant Masters’ Association (AMA), the Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT Branch has undergone significant growth and change in its almost 70-year proud history of representing the rights of teachers and support staff in non-government education. Over the years, we have achieved several milestones, facing legislative changes and major campaigns in education. From being known as the AMA, AMMA, ITA and now the IEU, we have grown our membership to more than 32,000 members.
1954
Founded as the Assistant Masters’ Association (AMA)
In 1955, the AMA has 90 members.
1957
Registered as a trade union
The union struggles for numbers and relevance with membership max of 150
1966
Women admitted and name changed to Assistant Masters’ and Mistresses’ Association (AMMA)
Women and lay teachers in Catholic schools join in significant numbers
1967
AGM decides to seek an Industrial Award
Late 1960s
Disagreement over the union’s direction
“Traditionalists” want a greater focus on being a professional association over being an industrial body utilising industrial powers to seek arbitrated outcomes beneficial to members
1970
First Award made (Assistant Masters’ and Mistresses’ in Non-Government Schools (State) Award)
1971
First Industrial dispute notified
The issue: teachers required to sweep classrooms.
1971
First full-time Secretary (John Nicholson), leases office space at Chatswood.
Membership topped 1000.
John Nicholson was Secretary of the union until 1977. He went on to practise as a barrister in industrial, common and criminal law, taking ‘silk’ (senior counsel) in 1994. In 2001, he was appointed as a judge of the NSW District Court. After 2012 Nicholson returned to work at the bar.
1972
Name changed to Independent Teachers’ Association (ITA).
Membership is at 1084.
1977
First full-time Organiser appointed (Michael Raper)
Membership is at 3954.
1980
New Council and Annual Conference structure adopted with new constitution.
Membership is at 5603.
1981
ITA publishes the very first edition of Newsmonth (Vol 1 No 1).
Membership is 6511 with 12 Branches, a Secretary, Industrial Officer and two Organisers.
November 1981
The Daily Telegraph runs a story describing the ITA as “the fastest growing union in Australia”.
1984
Australian People for Health, Education and Development Abroad (APHEDA), known as Union Aid Abroad, is established
The IEU joins as a partner
1985
Significant split in Executive and Council over Union direction, Left v Right
Left wins most Executive positions.
8 October 1988
Independent Teachers Federation (ITF) is registered as a federal union
Towards the end of 1983, the ITF was set up. In early 1984, an application was made to the Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission for registration as a federal union. Its application sought rules for coverage of the broadest range of education workers in non-government education institutions. After extensive litigation, federal registration was achieved on 8 October 1988.
1989
Dick Shearman becomes General Secretary.
Membership is 14,104.
1989
Federal awards obtained in English colleges and post-secondary sector
1993-94
Union gains coverage of School Assistants then clerical staff at both state and federal levels
1994
Name changed to NSW Independent Education Union.
Membership 16,265.
24 April 1996
Joint strike: IEU and NSW Teachers Federation
‘Hands were shaken, fraternal greetings exchanged and, shoulder to shoulder, some 12,000 members of the NSW Teachers Federation and the NSW Independent Education Union (IEU) marched on Parliament House in support of their 12 percent pay claim.’ SMH
2006
WorkChoices takes effect in March 2006
Increasing activity in federal jurisdiction, particularly in independent schools (ie trading or financial corporations)
2009
NSW government referred IR powers in relation to private sector employers to federal jurisdiction
2011
National benchmark set
Association of Independent Schools Multi-Enterprise Agreement, negotiated by the IEU, is the first industrial agreement in Australia to pay classroom teachers more than $100,000 per annum (with effect from 2024)
2012
John Quessy becomes General Secretary, replacing Dick Shearman
2014
Membership exceeds 32,000
2016
Union operates as NSW/ACT Branch of IEUA rather than state union.
All staff now employed by the Branch and key decisions are made in the Branch not the state union.
2014-2017
Major campaigns in Catholic systemic schools in 2014
The campaign is over a proposal by employers to totally rewrite the enterprise agreement.
October 2019
Mark Northam becomes Secretary
2020
A surge in membership occurres in the early months of COVID-19 pandemic
The NSW state registered union (NSW/ACT IEU) is wound up. The union now operates only as a federal entity as a branch of the Independent Education Union of Australia.
2021
IEU seeks to protect members during pandemic
19 April 2021
Historic pay rise decision for early childhood teachers
The Fair Work Commission handed down a decision supporting pay rises of up to 10% for early childhood teachers – the result of an eight-year campaign by the IEU.
2022
Hear Our Voice campaign launched
Wide-ranging successful industrial action takes place across NSW and the ACT.
Historic combined strike with the NSW Teachers Federation.
2023
Historic wins for better working conditions
Salary parity achieved for support staff. Record pay rises for teachers.
28 October 2023
Carol Matthews becomes Secretary after Mark Northam steps down.
Thank you for joining us in our union history and for the tens of thousands of members who work tirelessly to make the union what it is today.
8 April 2024
Unite For Change Campaign Launched
The IEU launches its campaign for transformative pay rises and improved conditions in community-based NSW preschools
24 June 2024
Now’s The Time Campaign Launched
Following significant pay rises in NSW government schools, the IEU launches its successful campaign for a better deal in AIS independent schools.
8 August 2024
Historic pay rises in long-day-care centres
The federal government announces it will fund 15% wage increases for long-day-care teachers and educators, following pressure from the IEU and other unions
3 April 2024
New deal for AIS independent schools
Thanks to widespread support from members, the IEU secures significant salary wins and improved conditions for teachers and professional and operational staff in AIS independent schools
