A major enterprise bargaining offer delivering higher wages and improved conditions for Queensland teacher aides and school cleaners has been accepted in-principle by the United Workers’ Union (UWU), pending member ballots.
If ratified, wage increases for both workforces will be backdated to 1 November 2025, applied from this date following final approval. Should union members endorse the offers, agreements will proceed to a full ballot of all staff in early 2026.
Both certified agreements include guaranteed wage increases of eight per cent over three years, as well as a CPI Adjustment Payment of up to 10.5 per cent.
For more than 20,000 Queensland teacher aides, the offer also includes increased disability support allowances – indexed for future wage rises – expanded time-in-lieu for overnight school camps, and a trial allowance for administering student medication.
Additional changes will simplify how aides can secure extra work hours, including a streamlined process to access additional shifts.
Queensland’s 7,000 school cleaners will receive an increase to the Experienced Cleaners’ Allowance, also indexed for future salary increases.
The agreement maintains government-funded training and education, with cleaners eligible for paid release or time-in-lieu to attend training programs.
Minister for Education Mr John-Paul Langbroek said Queensland’s support staff were deeply valued.
“The government is delivering a landmark agreement that will see our teacher aides and school cleaners earn more than ever before, while workplace conditions improve,” Mr Langbroek said.
He thanked the union and bargaining teams for their input.
“The offers highlight the government’s commitment to addressing feedback from the UWU and its members – I want to thank them for their contribution,” he said.
“We greatly value our hardworking teacher aides and cleaners and thank them for the dedication they bring to their roles each day.”
