USU is taking action to secure the future of the Worker Retention Payment for ECEC workers.

Our campaign includes:

  • Lobbying the Federal Government to continue the funding program
  • Calling for all ECEC workers to be included if funding is extended
  • Preparing to revisit councils that did not participate in the first round

The original program required councils to apply and meet eligibility requirements, meaning not all workers received the payment.

From the outset, the USU worked directly with councils, encouraging participation and assisting with applications to secure pay increases for members where possible.

However, some councils chose not to participate, while others were not eligible.

If funding is continued, the USU will return to those councils to push for workers who missed out to be included.

To support members, the Union has also developed an explainer video and FAQ outlining how the program currently works and how payments are made.

The USU has formally written to the Federal Government as part of this campaign.