Community services workers march for pay equity

Issue 

On a 35-degree day, community services workers in not-for-profit organisations mobilised from across Victoria to call for equal pay. The Australian Services Union, which covers the workers, estimated almost 4000 people rallied.

The protest marched to the steps of the state parliament house. They called on the John Brumby Labor government to fund the sector properly.

Australian Council of Trade Unions industrial officer Cath Bowtell told the workers: "It isn't enough just to win the case in Fair Work Australia [the federal government body that makes legal rulings on industrial disputes]. We have to battle for the funding."

She said state and federal Labor governments had adopted a funding model that asks more of community services workers for no extra pay, which "pays 30% less than you'd get in the private sector".

Shane, from the Latrobe Valley, said he had been a youth worker for six years, and before that had worked for 30 years in the construction industry. He said despite all of his training, he gets less now than he did in the early 1980s in the construction industry. "Our wage is $16,000 less than the average take-home wage", he said.

A delegates and activists meeting on December 10 will discuss the next stage of the campaign.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.