As we approach the next round of bargaining for the Lutheran Schools SA Enterprise Agreement, it’s important that members understand what an Enterprise Agreement is, how bargaining works, and how you can be involved.

What is an Enterprise Agreement (EA)?

An EA is a legally binding document made between an employer and employees.

The EA sets out the minimum employment conditions, including:

• Salaries and pay increases
• Leave entitlements
• Hours of work
• Workload and conditions
• Family Friendly work provisions
• Other important rights at work

The current agreement is the Lutheran Schools SA Enterprise Agreement 2024 and it covers:

• 28 Lutheran schools
• 5 DfE Affiliated Independent Kindergartens
• Teaching staff
• Non-teaching staff (Lutheran School Officers – LSOs)

What is Enterprise Bargaining?

Enterprise Bargaining (EB) is the formal process of negotiating a new EA or renewing an existing one.

This involves discussions between:

• the employer, and
• the employees,

Employees are usually represented by YOUR  union, the Independent Education Union (South Australia Branch).

EB is governed by the Fair Work Act 2009, which requires both sides to bargain in “good faith” and make genuine efforts to resolve issues.

Key Dates

• The current EA has a nominal expiry date of 30 June 2026.
• Bargaining must commence at least three months prior.

The final pay increase under the current EA will be:

• 3%, applied in the first pay period on or after 1 August 2026.

Log of Claims – IEU Member Priorities

• A Log of Claims is developed in consultation with members.
• It outlines what improvements members want to prioritise in the next EA such as better pay, workload protections or improved conditions.
• The IEU will shortly be surveying members about what you would like included in the next EA.

How does an EA get approved?

An EA can only be finalised if it is approved by employees through a vote.

To be endorsed, it must be supported by a majority of employees covered by the agreement.

Before anything is finalised, the IEU will:

• Consult with members
• Provide updates to members
• Conduct a formal ballot of members

Improved pay and conditions are won through:

• Your active involvement
• An active IEU membership that works collectively
• Members speaking up about workplace needs

Without your collective voice, your workplace priorities may go unheard.

Remember: when we are united, organised, and active, we are stronger.
Together, we can win better conditions for all.

Key Terms you need to know during bargaining

How do you get more information?

Talk to your IEU workplace Representative (Rep) or contact the IEU SA Office to speak with your IEU Organiser – 8410 0122 or enquiries@ieusa.org.au

How do you increase your collective voice at your workplace?

Have the IEU Chat. Find a suitable time to have a short chat with a potential member about the benefits of IEU membership and how adding their voice to your workplace collective voice helps to win better pay and conditions. They can join online here