2025 – A Year of Building and Winning for St Peter’s Girls’ School IEU Sub-Branch.
We all know how long, frustrating and tough Enterprise Bargaining (EB) can be.
As IEU members we start enthusiastically with clear goals of what we want to achieve in a new Enterprise Agreement (EA), but too often we get to the end of a term of EB negotiations, with the employer still dragging their feet to commit to any sort of real improvements in salary and conditions; or even worse, they’ve responded with NO, NO, NO!
How do we turn that around?
How do we create an environment where the employer doesn’t view EB as merely a “process” that has to be undertaken — the quicker done the better or the opposite — that there is no sense of urgency or priority to come to agreement which satisfies both parties and delivers improved salary and conditions in a timely manner?
The story of the St Peter’s Girls’ School (SPGS) IEU Sub-Branch 2024/25 EB provides some insight, inspiration and hope to how that can happen, in all worksites.
Following previous SPGS EAs, which effectively saw wage growth go backwards whilst workloads increased, IEU members were able to win significant salary increases; reduction in workload; clear workload protections; and, secured clauses which protect consultation and built in change mechanism requirements.
However, the lasting wins beyond this EB period are over 100% increase in union membership; development of skilled, informed, confident union leaders; and, a strong collective and cohesive Sub-Branch.
Through the wins achieved in this round of EB, members have built a solid foundation for future negotiations.
“The SPGS EB negotiation brought the staff together and helped to reinforce that we are stronger together when asking for better work conditions and pay. It also helped us to consider the needs of all staff and develop a greater appreciation for the range of issues that impact different roles within the school staff.”
These wins only happened due to the commitment, hard work, resilience and determination of members alongside strong leadership and support from their IEU Reps in school.
Ask any member at SPGS and they won’t tell you it was easy. What they will tell you is that as a team they felt supported and strong. When things got tough the Sub-Branch stood shoulder to shoulder, re-grouped, and made decisions together which provided clear direction for the IEU EB Team.
“Although there were some nerve-racking moments, like taking PIA [Protected Industrial Action], being part of the EB campaign was a valuable experience that reminded me of the importance of standing up for what you believe in. The camaraderie and support among members was truly inspiring and showed just how much change you can create when you work together and realise the impact that collective action and solidarity can achieve.”
Key to maintaining strength and solidarity was meeting regularly, having 1:1 conversations with each other, potential members and “union adjacent” colleagues — many of whom became members.
Clear communication and provision of accurate and up to date information from the IEU EB Team meant members were able to engage their colleagues in the process through everyday conversations.
“By valuing collegiality and keeping one another informed throughout the bargaining process, we strengthened our collective voice — and the positive outcomes speak to the power of moving forward together.”
A resounding NO vote and the use of PIA — such as not attending meetings or undertaking yard duties — meant IEU members were able to leverage power in negotiations.
Resounding member support in the PIA ballot and a strategic use of the actions available to them saw the salary offer move from 10.25% to 13% (inclusive of backpay), a reduction in co-curricular, teaching load and fortnightly pay.
“Our Sub-Branch showed up when it mattered and worked together. We had a lot of trust, and we worked hard to maintain an excellent relationship with each other throughout the process.”
