Education staff must be correctly classified

Education support (ES) staff play a vital role in the smooth operation of schools, yet they are frequently misclassified under outdated structures that fail to reflect the complexity and responsibility of their work.

The IEU is committed to addressing incorrect classifications by updating descriptors to ensure that every worker receives appropriate recognition and fair compensation.

Many classification frameworks were developed years ago and have not kept pace with the evolving nature of ES roles. Today’s ES staff are not limited to administrative assistants or library aides; they are skilled professionals who manage timetabling, coordinate student support programs, oversee vocational education, and provide critical wellbeing services. We’ve worked hard to update classification descriptors in our Agreements, but there is always more to do as roles become increasingly complex.

The other key issue is to ensure that schools have robust and fair classification procedures. Reclassification requests by employees must be handled in a transparent manner and considered on their merits – but, importantly, employers have a responsibility to ensure that all staff are classified and paid according to their skills, responsibilities, experience and qualifications. School leaders should not wait for staff to request a classification review but should be on the front foot with regular audits of employee classifications. Failure to do so leaves employers vulnerable to allegations of wage theft.

Proper classification is not just about pay – it is about respect, professional recognition, and ensuring that schools can attract and retain the skilled staff they need to provide quality education. The IEU will continue to advocate for classification structures in Agreements that truly reflect the contributions of ES staff, and for fair processes to ensure that staff are correctly classified.

If you believe you have been wrongly classified, contact the union immediately.