24 AprProposed Fair Work wage increases for educators – Children’s Services Award
Over the next five years, educators with a certificate III are proposed to receive a wage increase of 23%, while educators with a diploma will see an increase of 18% in a preliminary Decision by the Fair Work Commission for the Children’s Services Award 2010 (CSA).
Pending a final Decision, the first 5% increase is set to occur for educators under the CSA from 1 August 2025.
We will update our members once a final decision is made by the Fair Work Commission.
Why is this happening?
On April 16, 2025, the Expert Panel of the Fair Work Commission released its provisional Decision regarding its review of gender-based undervaluation in the care and community sector.
This is a significant move towards better wages in our sector. We acknowledge this development to be critical to both retaining and attracting a high-quality workforce and aligning early childhood education and care (ECEC) with other community sectors, such as aged care, which have seen similar work value cases in recent years.
What is the change to the Children’s Services Award?
As part of its provisional Decision, the Fair Work Commission proposed a new pay classification structure for the Children’s Services Award. This new structure would feature updated pay classifications for Children’s Services Employees (CSE) who perform work as educators with children.
The wage increases are proposed be implemented in a phased approach over five years, beginning with annual increments that are expected to begin from August 2025.
How does this affect the VECTEA?
Members will continue to be updated on any adjustments to the proposed schedule and how these may impact the VECTEA 2020 educator salaries for kindergarten employers.
Any wage increases will be regularly updated for ELAA members in our Wage Bulletins closer to the proposed date.
How will this be funded?
We have reached out to the Department of Education (Victoria) to address the implications for kindergarten funding. We acknowledge the tight financial environment our sector operates in and expect funding arrangements to compensate for the Fair Work decision.
Where can I access more information?
A summary of the Decision can be found here: 2025 FWCFB 74 – summary.
Any questions? Contact our Member Solutions team at membersolutions@elaa.org.au.
