We’re United For ECEC
Here’s everything Educators need to know about the UWU ELECTION 2026
We are early years educators standing together. United For You.
Only United For You has a proven record of winning for ECEC. These wins didn't happen by accident. Educators across the country took action, lobbied politicians, and held employers accountable.
Real results for educators
For 200,000 educators across the country. Your work is finally being valued.
An end to under the roof ratios. Better conditions for educators and children.
Changes to stop government funding going to dodgy services that let educators and families down.
Educators supported with workplace issues, including recovering owed backpay.
This is your union. Your voice matters.
We are the team that led these wins and we want your support to go further, for all educators. Together we can keep building a strong, united union that wins for ECEC.
Vote United For You. Our number one priority is you.
From first-time voters to experienced UWU members, we’re here to make sure you have clear, accurate information about the 2026 United Workers Union Internal Election.
So, what is the UWU Election?
An internal election is coming up soon for members of the United Workers Union (UWU). This is your opportunity to help shape the future direction, leadership, and priorities of your union.
As a proudly democratic union, this election allows UWU members to vote for union leadership and key decision-making positions. These roles influence:
How your union represents members
Campaign priorities and bargaining strategies
Governance and accountability
The direction of your union at a national and state level
Your vote plays a direct role in shaping how UWU works for you - keep scrolling to learn more.
Your Questions, Answered
In the upcoming election, United Workers Union members will have the opportunity to decide the union's direction over the coming decade.
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If you were a financial Industrial Member for UWU as of 31 January, you are eligible to vote. This is the date when the membership list was provided to the Australian Electoral Commission.
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The Union's rules make sure members across every part of Australia are treated equally.
Members vote in their local Union electorates, based on where they live. This structure means members in smaller regions are not overshadowed by larger states and everyone has a fair say.
Voting is not compulsory. However, it is important to participate to make sure your voice is heard in choosing your delegates. -
You are electing local members to serve as Convention Delegates.
United for You is running a ticket of local members in your electorate. If elected, these members will attend the Convention on your behalf.
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United for You candidates come from a diverse range of sectors, representing the breadth and experience of our Union.
This diversity means all voices within the Union are heard.
United For You candidates believe local states should have a say in how their union operates locally.
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The Convention Delegates you elect will vote in July for the positions of National Secretary, National President, Vice Presidents, and Executive.
They will also vote for the Member Council, which is made up of 50 rank and file members across the country.
During the convention, Delegates will discuss and debate remits and set the direction for the next four years.
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No. Under the Union's rules, State Secretaries are not elected in a general election. Any claim that voting for particular candidates will result in them becoming State Secretary is misleading.
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With over 150,000 members, it is hard for every member to know every candidate personally.
United for You candidates have provided information about themselves, their achievements, and their vision for the Union over the next four years.
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Nominations close at the end of March. If more than one team nominates, an election will be held in late April. You will receive a ballot paper in the post from the Australian Electoral Commission.
United for You will let you know how to make your vote count.
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If you have a question we haven’t covered, get in touch with us via email
Meet Your United for You Candidates
They are workplace delegates, union activists, and everyday members who share one thing in common: a commitment to building a stronger union for you.
We can’t wait to introduce you to our full team of experienced candidates from across the union and the states.
Kylie Grey
Melbourne | Educator & UWU Member
Magda Embalo
Gold Coast | Educator & UWU Member
What UWU Members Say
Get Involved in the 2026 UWU Election
We need your help to win this fight for our union. Sign up to stay updated, learn how to volunteer, and get the latest on events happening near you.
Together, we can deliver a union that lives up to its promise.
This UWU election, your vote matters.
No matter what industry you work in — from Aged Care to Zoos and everything in between — you deserve a union that fights for better pay, safer workplaces, and respect for the work you do, and wins.
That’s why we are seeking your support, to keep UWU United for You.