Community sector workers and their union are campaigning to protect hard-won gender pay gains as the Fair Work Commission reviews potential undervaluation of awards. The Fair Work Commission is considering adjustments to the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award which could affect a landmark 2012 equal pay order that delivered pay rises to the female-dominated sector. The Australian Services Union will submit its feedback to the Commission on Friday morning ahead of the afternoon deadline. The union's submissions will include a call for:
- Retention of equal pay rates so no worker goes backwards
- That all workers receive a pay rise as part of the Award review
- That the Fair Work proposal be adjusted to better recognise workers' experience alongside their qualifications.
It comes as a new survey of more than 4,000 community sector workers shows strong support to retain the equal pay order. More than nine in 10 workers said they are reliant on the Award for their wage outcomes while more than two in five would consider leaving the industry entirely if rates of pay went backwards. ASU NSW & ACT Secretary Angus McFarland said: "Community sector workers and the ASU are campaigning for the SCHADS Award to be the best it can be. The SCHADS Award underpins the wages of hundreds of thousands of community sector workers. "A fair Award that works for community sector workers also works for the many people who depend on them. Community sector workers are essential - they keep our communities safe and supported, providing care for vulnerable children, women escaping domestic violence, and people living with a disability, mental ill-health or facing housing insecurity. "Any changes to the SCHADS Award must strengthen, not undermine, hard-won gender pay gains. Community sector workers have told us loud and clear that equal pay must be here to stay, and many say they would leave the sector if pay rates go backwards. "We stand with community sector workers in calling for fair pay rises for all, the retention of equal pay rates so no worker goes backwards, and proper recognition of workers' experience alongside their qualifications."
