The USU has been actively engaging in pivotal discussions to advocate for the rights and conditions of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professionals. Here are the latest updates that impact our ECEC members.
Discussions on ECEC Award and Pay Rise
After weeks of lobbying the USU has reached confirmation that Local Government ECEC centres are eligible for federal funding for wage increases!
This is excellent news and a well-earned reward for the hard work and effort of USU members in the ECEC sector who have been campaigning for improved Award conditions for the last two years.
The Federal Funding is meant to come online in early December 2024, and there is still more work to be done to make sure the money goes directly into our members pocket. This includes making sure local government centres have compliant workplace arrangements in place which will require amending the current Local Government (State) Award or establishing a stand-alone ECEC Award.
What’s Next?
Following discussions between Your Union and Council representatives on 3 October 2024, further meetings will be arranged in the next week to work through the nuts and bolts of this fantastic win, and a further member update will be issued then.
Child Safety Policy Consultation
The USU was recently invited to participate in the first consultation forum on proposed additions and changes to Child Safety Policy. This important forum enables sector stakeholders to engage with the Department of Education and provide feedback on changes affecting USU members. This marks another step in ensuring that Early Childhood Education and Care in NSW councils is included in vital sector conversations. The USU is proud to be at the consultation table, representing your interests.
For more information on the Child Safety Policy Review, please visit ACECQA Child Safety Review – https://www.acecqa.gov.au/child-safety-review. Alternatively, you can contact Zoe O’Rourke, the Sector Organiser, at zorourke@usu.org.au.
Stay Connected
Your union is commitment to improving working conditions and securing fair wages for ECEC professionals. Stay tuned for further updates and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need more information.
Your advocacy and solidarity make a difference. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the ECEC sector!
