24 MayNational Enterprise Agreement negotiations: long day care members need to be informed
There’s lots of talk about a new multi-enterprise agreement being the answer to educator wages. ELAA would like to make sure you know what is involved, the potential benefits and risks, and the support we can provide before you make a decision.
ELAA brings over twenty years of industrial relations experience to the table. ELAA has been involved in discussions with the peak bodies, employers, the Federal Government, and the United Workers Union regarding developing a federal Enterprise Agreement (EA) to provide funded above-award pay and conditions for educators in long day care.
These negotiations are now progressing, and interested employers may be shortly asked to join a new agreement in preparation for upcoming changes to the Fair Work Act.
Why is this happening?
On 6 June 2023, amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) will come into effect. These changes to the legislation allow for easier multi-enterprise bargaining (Enterprise Agreements that cover multiple employers) with a specific focus on Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC).
ELAA members operating long day care may have received information about joining this new national educator agreement from other organisations.
We will host a special long day care IR (Industrial Relations) consultation on these changes in late June.
Why should I attend an ELAA IR information session?
We encourage all long day care providers to attend, including those on the Professional Community Standard 2021 (PCS). Centre directors, executive and management teams, HR managers, and committee members are invited.
VECTEA employers who operate long day care are also invited to attend, as joining a national agreement may have implications for your kindergarten teachers and educators.
How will this information session help me?
In this informal information session, we will discuss:
- the risks and benefits of joining the national educator Enterprise Agreement model (long day care standard)
- what multi-enterprise bargaining (supported bargaining) will involve for your service
- the benefits of the VECTEA for your service and an update on the 2024 negotiations
- how ELAA can continue to support you with Industrial Relations, whether as part of a multi-enterprise agreement or not.
When will I receive an invitation to attend?
Keep an eye out for further updates in ELAAvate and your email inbox. Questions can be sent to our Member Solutions team at membersolutions@elaa.org.au.
