United Voice News
Childcare members make big steps
ABC2 Group of centres: Have your say about your centre’s future
Dear member,
Welcome to the first edition of our childcare e-news.
Over the last few months we have seen massive changes in childcare.
Firstly we have seen some major reforms to Victoria’s Children’s Services Regulations announced.
These reforms are a victory for LHMU childcare members. Over many years members stood up for greater respect and professional recognition — and now we’ve won real change!
The draft regulations include minimum qualifications to work in the sector and better staff-to-infant ratios.
What do you think of these regulations? Read on to find out how you can have your say.
Over the last few months members at ABC Learning have been working together to protect their entitlements. Your strong, united voice has given you a say in the future of your centre and your sector.
We want to hear from ABC members about what changes you want to see when the new owners of your centre come in. Read on to find out how you can have your say.
We hope you enjoy reading our childcare e-news.
Our aim is to keep you up-to-date with news from your sector. We also want to give you opportunities to work with fellow members to make your sector a better place for staff and all Victorian children.
Jess Walsh,
LHMU Victorian Secretary.
Childcare members make Big Steps
Childcare members made their voice heard at a recent meeting with government about major improvements to childcare regulations.
Last year, LHMU members sent a powerful message to Victorian government at our Big Steps in Childcare campaign launch at State Parliament.
Members called for respect and recognition for their professional skills, better staff to child ratios and access to appropriate training.
Department of Education & Early Childhood Development manager Connie Forbes came to the union office on March 5 after members requested a special meeting to give their feedback on the new regulations.
The verdict? Members see improvements in the government’s new changes, but also room for substantial reform into the future.
Members welcomed improved staff-to-child ratios for 0 to 3-year-olds and a minimum Certificate III in Childcare qualification for all workers, as well as the recognition of prior learning, so staff already working in the sector can have their skills and experienced recognised.
‘These changes will help raise the kudos of the field. People are acknowledging this is a professional field. We do more than care for children, we educate and develop them,’ said member Felicity Nabbs.
Members know we can only win professional recognition – and pay – with minimum mandatory qualifications.
Yet members still feel pushed to the limit by low staffing levels for over 3's, a lack of regulation about programming time, and insufficient funding to raise pay.
‘I’m happy to see Victoria is at the same level as the rest of Australia but we’re still not up to standard,’ member Kylie Seadon said.
‘We could be doing more for our kids.’
Your union is putting together a submission about the draft regulations.
The new legislation will take effect in May this year.
www.tinyurl/childcareregsurvey
ABC2 Group of centres: Have your say about your centre’s future
Thousands of ABC members stood together last year and won government guarantees on long service leave and holiday pay after the company’s collapse.
We now need to work together to show the new owners we are all committed to quality care and education.
At the moment, all of the ABC2 group of centres are up for sale. The receivers, PPB, report that there have been bids for every Victorian centre.
ABC Werribee member Bindi Miles said they had received little information about the future of the centre, though they knew there had been a bid.
‘We’ve been waiting for a long time now. The families are getting a bit jittery.’
Bindi said only by coming together in the union can you make your voice heard, especially while you wait to hear more from the centre buyer.
As employees you know what is needed to maintain and improve the character and standard of care at your centre.
‘It’s important. We have to have to speak up. We are here for the families, and if a new company comes in and makes dramatic changes, that’s going to change the whole environment of our centre for the children and for the staff,’ Bindi said.
It’s time to have your say on your centre’s future.
Do you work in an ABC2 centre? Click here to do our two-minute survey.
Your responses will help shape members’ discussions with the new owners over the coming weeks and months.
Our childcare team will be in touch about the next steps we need to take maintain and improve quality childcare in your centre and across the sector.
