The decision to finally award a substantial pay rise to Australia’s 150,000 community sector workers is a vote for common sense and justice for a sorely maligned group of employees.
Fair Work Australia yesterday recommended pay boosts of between 19 and 41per cent for the mostly female workforce, equating to wage rises of between $6000 and $24,000.
The decision has been hailed by union leaders as the most important equal pay case since 1972, when equal pay for work of equal value was formally recognised.
Many of these workers can be found in the country’s social justice system, where much of their work helps those in the community who are unable to look after themselves.
They could easily find higher wages and far better conditions in the private sector but they are dedicated employees who are committed to the ideals of social justice.
It really is a disgraceful state of affairs when a formally qualified welfare worker earns less than a school leaver working at the local tip.
Most of the wage increases will have to come from the federal and state governments, so we can only hope they come to the party without delay.
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