Thousands of childcare workers across Australia are set to strike on July 15, 2026, after union members voted for mass industrial action over the government’s refusal to extend a 15% pay increase. Parents are warned of widespread disruption, with over 20,000 educators from 1,000 centres expected to walk off the job.

Early childhood services often require staff to arrive before their rostered start time, to set up rooms, prepare learning materials, or ensure safety checks are complete. But when does this preparation count as paid work?

As of 1 March 2026, the Fair Work Commission’s changes to the Children’s Services Award 2010 officially took effect, and now—one month later—all early childhood educators covered by the award should have received their pay increase. This marks a significant step in addressing gender-based undervaluation in the sector.

On 10 December 2025, the Fair Work Commission issued a major determination affecting the Children’s Services Award 2010 (MA000120). These changes form part of the Gender-Based Undervaluation Priority Review, recognising long‑standing inequities in early childhood. 

The updated award will come into operation on 1 March 2026 and will apply from the first full pay period on or after that date.

This article breaks down the key changes so educators, cooks, support workers, room leaders, and directors can understand what the new structure means for them.

The Fair Work Commission has announced a 4.75% wage increase. This applies to all minimum and award wages, including the Children’s Services Award and the Educational Services Teachers Award. For children’s services, this rise was already anticipated as part of the sector’s five-year staged plan, while for ECTs it represents a direct adjustment to align with inflationary pressures.