Following our update in the latest NewsExtra, the IEU has locked-in the pay increases and improvements for teachers and general staff in NSW Christian schools represented by Christian Schools Australia (CSA) for 2024.
Teachers
As a result of negotiations and agreement with the IEU, teachers in NSW Christian schools have received pay rises of 7% in February 2024 and can expect a further 4% pay increase in October this year.
Following pressure from the IEU, CSA have given us an assurance that schools will pass on agreed improvements achieved in bargaining for the new Teachers’ MEA, including:
- up to two weeks of paid concurrent parental leave (paid partner leave) taken after 1 July 2024 will not be deducted from the non primary carer’s (usually the father) personal/carer’s leave balance
- an increase in the payment period of the New Parent Bonus to a maximum of 22 weeks for qualifying parental leave commencing after 1 July 2024.
In light of the above commitment, the IEU has agreed to suspend bargaining in the interim while we see how increases in other school sectors play out, which should put greater pressure on CSA to improve their pay offer.
General staff
Due to the recent announcement made by the federal government’s new worker retention payment for early childhood education and care, CSA seeks to pause the finalisation of the General Staff MEA. The IEU has offered to meet with CSA to discuss the new payments to maximise the benefits for our members.
Schools are committed to implementing the agreed salary increases and improvements to conditions. Members would have received an increase of 4% in February this year. Other improvements that will be implemented include:
- personal/carer’s leave will increase from 10 to 15 days per annum
- the New Parent Bonus (paid parental leave) will increase in line with the federal government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme, from 22 weeks on 1 July 2024, to 26 weeks by 1 July 2026.
Once bargaining re-commences, all members will be advised of any developments.
Your ongoing support and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we continue to fight for better pay and working conditions at your schools.
Our strength in bargaining is closely tied to our strength in membership. If you know a non-member, please encourage them to join the union. Click here to join.