The early childhood education enterprise bargaining process has reached a key milestone with the parties signing a Heads of Agreement yesterday - paving the way for a deal to be finalised.
Before the election, Labor made a commitment to help the employer associations and the Australian Education Union resolve the dispute, after the previous Liberal Government stalled it for two years.
Since coming to office, the Andrews Labor Government has delivered on its promise to assist in continuing talks between the parties – and is encouraged to see that an in-principle agreement has been reached on the key terms and conditions.
The Heads of Agreement recognises the importance of early childhood teachers and educators, and will help attract and retain talented and highly qualified staff.
It was negotiated between the Municipal Association of Victoria, Early Learning Association Australia and the Australian Education Union.
The agreement was reached consistent with the Government’s wages policy.
Finalisation of the enterprise bargaining agreements is expected in the coming weeks.
The new agreement is another step forward in the Labor Government’s positive agenda for early childhood services and making Victoria the Education State.
The Labor Government is investing $50 million in the early childhood sector through the building and upgrading of kindergartens and children’s centres across Victoria to ensure that all families have access to the best quality facilities.
It is also providing up to $83.7 million over four years in additional funding to support kindergartens to transition to new staff-to-child ratios.
The improved ratios will allow staff to give more individual care and attention, and to develop even more meaningful relationships with kids, leading to better social and learning outcomes for children.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“The Andrews Labor Government made an election commitment to help resolve the early childhood dispute and to reach an agreement – we have delivered on that promise.”
“We are getting on with our positive agenda for early childhood education to make Victoria the Education State.”
“The parties have worked in good faith - I congratulate them on reaching an outcome that rewards our early
Reviewed 10 February 2021