Your Union for Early Childhood Educators
Early childhood educators are the backbone of our society. We educate children and develop the skills they need for the future. We also make it possible for parents to go to work. Without us, society could not function, yet this is not reflected in our pay.
Together as union members we are the driving force behind the Big Steps campaign to secure professional pay, respect and recognition. The more educators who are in our union, the bigger and louder our voice is.
We fight hard for jobs you can count on, decent pay and conditions, and respect at work. Your union is here to help you, we provide a range of quality services, benefits and representation when you need it.
Educators will walk off on july 15
We fought hard for a 15% pay rise and we won it. But the Federal Government has not committed to locking in that funding beyond November 2026. We will not go backwards.
That’s why on Wednesday July 15, educators everywhere will be walking off to show the Federal Government what happens when they don’t listen.
Creating a better future for ECEC
The Multi Employer Agreement helped win a 15% pay rise – now it’s time to build on that. Educators across the country are calling for big and ambitious changes to our working conditions.
Leveraging the mutual bargaining power of 555 employers and 50,000 educators, your union has created a set of six claims designed to push for a better sector!
Changes Include:
1. A fair wage increase – there’s no going back!
2. Better ratios for children and educators
3. Paid professional development to support our important work
4. Tackling wage theft in ECEC
5. Backing educators as they face new regulatory requirements, greater scrutiny and higher penalties
6. Fair and adequate non-contact time for every educator
Understand The New Regulations
New regulations in early education and care are leading to more investigations into educators, tougher compliance action, and increased scrutiny on educators.
In our recent survey, hundreds of educators told us they’re concerned about the rise in complaints and investigations — and unsure what support is available if something happens to them.
To support you, we have created resources that cover:
- what happens if a complaint is made against you
- changes to Working With Children Checks, including new offences and increased fines
- what counts as inappropriate conduct
- how the complaints and investigation process works
- how your union can support you every step of the way
These webinars and info kits are freely available to United Workers Union members.
Staffing Loophole put to rest by Early Educators
Educators stood together to call for the end of Under-the-roof ratios, a staffing loophole that let providers get away with inadequate conditions for educators and children.
Now, centres are required to staff each room rather than the whole centre!
A New Tool to Create a Better Sector
Every child deserves a safe, high-quality early education – and educators know what it takes to deliver it.
EarlyEd Quality Check is a new website built by educators, for educators, with the aim of revealing what’s really happening in Australia’s Early Education centres.
With this tool, you can share what’s really happening in your centre and help protect both educators and the children they care for.
Let us know what kinds of Understaffing, Ratio or Safety issues you’re facing so we can pressure Politicians and Providers into doing what’s right and end staffing loopholes like under-the-roof ratios!
Try EarlyEd Quality Check out now and become a part of changing the ECEC sector for the better!
All submissions on EarlyEd Quality Check are 100% anonymous and confidential and are never to be shared with your employer.
EDUCATORS finally win wage justice!
Educators have WON a historic 15% pay rise funded by the Federal Government.
A Cert III Educator on the Children’s Services Award receiving the 15% pay rise is now about $11,000 a year better off than they were in 2024!
UNION BENEFITS
Better Pay and Conditions
Union members stand together for better pay and conditions, respect, and job security.
Australian workers who are union members earn on average $250 more every week.
Back up and Support at Work
When you face poor treatment – like unfair dismissal, safety issues or harassment at work it’s important to be union.
At worksites across the country UWU Delegates, leaders and Health and Safety Reps have your back.
Training, Community & Information
Members have access to exclusive training and development designed to support you at work.
Being union also gives you access to a community of workers and expert information when you need it.
Join a Movement that Wins
When you’re union, you’re part of a national movement with a long history for standing up for what is right.
If you want a fairer Australia, joining your union is the best way to make a difference.Save with Union Shopper
As a United Workers Union member you’re entitled to a wide range of financial discounts and savings as part of the union member benefits program..
Offset your union dues by saving big on groceries, white goods, and travel.
Your Industry Superannuation Fund
All workers have the right to a dignified retirement, and that means having enough retirement income to rely on.
Join your Union now
Standing together, we can change our workplaces.