There were 15,968 teachers and support staff in 11 Catholic dioceses who voted, and a resounding 14,031 voted down the Catholic employers’ non-Union EA.  

The ‘no’ vote follows a series of rolling stoppages coordinated by the Independent Education Union (IEU) in November and December which neither St Mary's or Hennessey took part in.

The union wants a guarantee staff and teachers have access to arbitration by the Fair Work Commission if any future disputes about the EA and other agreed conditions arise.

The Union argued that the Catholic employers’ proposal put the rights and working conditions of staff at risk in Catholic systemic schools.

Canberra IEU Organiser Lyn Caton said both St Mary's and Hennessey were on board with the union's argument. 

"I categorically would say that those two schools were overwhelmingly supportive of the union's ‘no’ campaign," she said.

"This action is not something we take lightly; we've only got to this point as a last resort."

IEU Secretary John Quessy said he hoped Catholic employers would return to the negotiating table.

“This is a very solid result and we hope that Catholic employers are listening to the voice of their employees,” he said.

“While I’m very pleased with the ‘no’ vote, this is not the end of the matter and we still need to thrash out an EA which is acceptable to our members.

"The IEU is seeking to reopen a dialogue with Catholic employers. 

“If employers have the best interests of their staff at heart, they’ll return to the bargaining table to negotiate a reasonable agreement."

Director of Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn Ross Fox said Catholic employers will keep negotiating with staff in good faith.

“The results of the ballot is an indication that staff want to keep negotiating the Enterprise Agreement,” he said.

“We will continue to negotiate to reach an agreement as soon as possible, so we can also provide the other benefits of a new agreement, including accelerated salary progression for teachers. Given the holiday season is almost upon us, these discussions will run into the early part of 2018.”