Hundreds of community, disability, and charity workers who are members of the Australian Services Union (ASU) will today walk off the job to join national protests opposing devastating pay cuts proposed by the big business lobby.
Australian Industry Group (AIG) is urging the Fair Work Commission to cut equal pay, slashing wages for the majority of community and disability workers. Depending on their profession, workers could lose hundreds of dollars a week, threatening livelihoods and sector stability.
The rallies outside AIG offices on Thursday October 23 will be inclusive community events, including an ABBA flash mob, to send a clear message that workers fought hard for equal pay in the female-dominated workforce, and we'll fight hard to keep wages moving forwards not backwards.
AIG has also taken the extraordinary step of urging the Commission to consider pursuing penalties, including jail, against the ASU and its members for daring to take a stand, rally, and even dance, against their proposed pay cuts.
The rallies come as the Fair Work Commission reviews the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award.
The ASU has presented a strong case for improvements, backed by workers, employers and Government with over 80 worker testimonies calling for fair pay and recognition.
But the business lobby group AIG has told the Fair Work Commission that it supports winding back the 2012 Fair Work Equal Pay decision, which lifted wages by up to 45% for this female-dominated workforce.
AIG's proposal would slash wages for 73% of community and disability workers. Examples of potential weekly pay cuts under AIG's proposal:
- $197/week for Residential Youth Support Worker
- $327/week for Aboriginal Cultural Practitioner
- $466/week for Domestic Violence Specialist Worker
- $739/week for Sexual Assault Counsellor.
"Instead of standing with the dozens of employers who support community and disability sector workers, AIG is trying to penalise these essential workers for simply dancing and peacefully advocating to protect equal pay," ASU NSW & ACT Secretary, Angus McFarland said.
"Dozens of employers and peak bodies reject AIG's attempts to roll back gender pay gains for community and disability support workers.
"The pay cuts that AIG is lobbying for are a direct attack on a workforce made up overwhelmingly of women who support some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
"Our members are standing together to say no to pay cuts and yes to fair pay and respect. The community can't afford to lose experienced, skilled workers.
"Pay cuts are more than just about a worker's individual pay packet. They are about the future of the sector. The sector already has one of the highest turnover rates in the country. Rolling back pay would almost certainly drive experienced workers away, undermining the stability of care for those who need it most.
"Our essential community and disability care workers keep our communities safe and supported. They care for vulnerable children, women escaping domestic violence, and people living with disability, mental illness, and housing insecurity."
Rallies will be held on Thursday October 23 from 12pm:
- Parramatta, NSW – Begins at Parramatta Ferry Wharf
- Newcastle, NSW – Outside AIG office (Meeting at Lynch's Hub, 292 Wharf Rd, Newcastle, 2300)
- Barton, ACT – Outside AIG office (Meeting outside 42 Macquarie St, Barton, 2600)
Background The 2012 Equal Remuneration Order, won by ASU members, delivered long-overdue justice for community and disability workers by increasing wages by 23–45% to address systemic gender pay inequity.
If AIG's proposals succeed, those gains could be wiped out, setting back equal pay by more than a decade.
