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About 12,000 early childhood educators are set to lock in a 10 per cent pay rise before Christmas with the finalisation of the first multi-employer bargaining application under the new government regime, in a move aimed at helping to retain and grow the workforce.
The United Workers Union lodged the application in June last year, the same day the federal government's Secure Jobs Better Pay legislation — which enabled the process — came into effect.
The change allowed workers across multiple employers to bargain and strike agreements as a group, if in the same industry.
That application, which covered 64 major providers, was authorised by the Fair Work Commission last September with the final step expected today.
The major agreement has created the mechanism by which 12,000 early childhood educators can receive a 10 per cent pay rise in December, with a further 5 per cent increase in December 2025, a rise the government committed to in August.
The federal government has agreed to pick up the bill for the increase if providers have committed to cap fee increases.
United Workers Union Early Education Director Carolyn Smith said the wage rise will help retain and attract workers.
"Educators love their job, but love doesn't pay the rent," she said.
Christine Scott, who has worked in the sector for years and campaigned for better wages, said low income meant her family had to depend on her husband's wage.
Christine Scott (right) and her daughter Hannah (left) both work in the sector. (Supplied)
She said the increase has ensured her daughter, who has also started a career in childcare, can be independent.
"This will probably let her get a home loan to buy her own house," she said.
"I want to see her have a family and live comfortably.
"At the moment, we've got educators leaving because they can't afford to live so this is going to make a huge difference to everybody and so much difference to the quality of educators."
Carolyn Smith said other parts of the sector, including 16,000 Goodstart educators, were expected to also secure agreements in coming weeks.
"Workers represented by unions, employers and the government have come together to bring this pay rise which is a game changer in terms of educators staying in the sector," she said.
Carolyn Smith of the United Workers Union said the pay rise would help to attract workers. (Supplied)
"We've had some real issues with the mainly women in the workforce leaving because the wages are so low."