Employees in Queensland Catholic schools have sent a clear message to employers: it’s time for ACTION NOW on the key issues in schools.
With collective bargaining negotiations ongoing, employees gathered during “Action Now Week” (18–22 May) to write messages about the outcomes they want to see in their next collective agreement.
Key issues identified by employees include:
- Addressing the workload and work intensification crisis.
- Wages that recognise the value of work.
- Implementing contemporary rights at work.
- Recognising specialist and leadership staff.
Negotiations ongoing
Negotiations have been ongoing since November 2025.
Employees’ log of claims outlines a clear plan for ACTION NOW on the key issues in schools.
Employers are moving slowly to respond to these claims with more than 20 employee claims awaiting response.
Our union looks forward to upcoming single bargaining unit (SBU) meetings on 4 and 23 June and urges employers to respond meaningfully to employees’ Action Now Week messages.
Continued employer inaction not an option
Employers have tabled no claims to address workload, despite the issue regularly being identified by staff as a serious concern.
Employers have tabled no wages claim.
Inaction will not make the key issues in schools go away.
Inaction will not address the 10–25% wage deficit facing classroom assistants compared to staff in New South Wales doing the same work.
Inaction will not solve the teacher workload crisis.
Inaction will not lead to proper recognition of specialist and leadership staff.
Inaction will not ensure working conditions in Queensland Catholic schools meet modern standards.
Despite their delays, employers continue to threaten to deny backpay if employees do not vote in favour of a replacement agreement by 31 October 2026.
Our union will continue to provide a strong voice for employees, united behind the need for action on the key issues in schools.
Read more about the ACTION NOW campaign here.
