Lutheran Bargaining 2026 Begins: Members Set the Agenda for Change
8 May 2026
The opening meeting for negotiations on the next Lutheran Schools Enterprise Agreement has now taken place, formally beginning the bargaining process that will shape pay and conditions for teachers, Lutheran School Officers (LSOs) and other staff across Lutheran schools.
The first meeting focused on establishing the bargaining framework, outlining priorities and setting the tone for negotiations between the IEU(SA) and Lutheran Education SA, NT and WA (LESNW) representatives.
IEU(SA)’s comprehensive Log of Claims, developed through extensive member consultation and workplace feedback, has already made clear the key issues members want addressed. These include workload pressures, cost-of-living concerns, fair recognition of duties, stronger consultation rights and more sustainable working conditions.
The IEU’s claims also seek improved leave provisions, enforceable workload protections, better support for part-time employees, enhanced work health and safety measures and stronger family-friendly conditions.
The Log of Claims is informed by extensive proposals that operationalise how members concerns might be addressed.
The proposals are published in your IEU member portal, and we encourage you to visit the Lutheran Bargaining Section and provide feedback on our proposals.
VISIT YOUR IEU MEMBER PORTAL AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THE DETAILED PROPOSALS
While the opening session largely focused on process and establishing the agenda for negotiations, IEU bargaining representatives said it was an important opportunity to reinforce the collective concerns being raised by members across the Lutheran sector.
Here is a snapshot of member concerns:
Brendan Toohey, teacher at Immanuel College and IEU Executive member, said “We need to address the conditions that are driving excellent teachers away from the profession. In a climate of ‘teacher shortage’, where are the market forces driving up the attractiveness of an education degree versus the oversupply of law graduates? Is there really more money driving a truck at a mine site than teaching? Where is our investment in our greatest natural asset – our kids?”
Member involvement is important to keep the bargaining focused on the issues that affect members at their local sites” said Meredith Page, Primary Teacher at Saint Marks Lutheran. “Collective representation is a powerful way to address things that have been raised in the IEU survey and formed the log of claims.”
Cornerstone College IEU(SA) Rep Harrison Modra said the bargaining team would continue focusing on practical outcomes that improve day-to-day working life.
“This is about making Lutheran schools sustainable workplaces for current and future staff,” Harrison said.
“Members want conditions that allow them to do their jobs well without sacrificing their wellbeing or personal lives.”
The next bargaining meeting is expected to focus specifically on allowances and related claims as negotiations begin moving into more detailed discussions.
IEU representatives say bargaining outcomes will ultimately depend on continued member involvement and collective action across Lutheran schools.
As negotiations continue, members are being encouraged to stay connected through workplace meetings, campaign updates and the IEU Member Portal.
Member Action
Getting involved doesn’t have to mean doing everything. It can start with:
- Attending a meeting or briefing.
- Talking with a colleague.
- Showing visible support when asked.
- VISIT YOUR IEU MEMBER PORTAL AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THE DETAILED PROPOSALS
- Follow IEU(SA) on Facebook and Instagram
Every action matters. Every member strengthens our collective voice. And every new member makes us stronger.
