MEDIA RELEASE SA - Fair Work Decision

Historic decision on value of women’s work

The Union representing community workers says today's Fair Work decision on equal pay is a victory for working women in Australia.
Branch secretary Katrine Hildyard, who appeared before the Fair Work hearings earlier this year, says the decision will mean fairer pay packets for community services workers.

"In South Australia alone, this decision will affect up to 20,000 people working in community services right across the State.

"Fair Work Australia, an independent body, has agreed that the work of people in the community sector has been undervalued, and part of the reason is because it is work being done largely by women."

"These hardworking South Australians do incredibly important work helping the homeless, the disadvantaged and disabled people - and they are often not earning much more than the people they are helping.

"Today's decision recognises what the Australian Services Union has been saying: that people working in this sector deserve to be better recognised and paid for their work."

"This is a great day for women and a great day for community workers. At last we have had the value of our work recognised and everyone is on notice that an increase in wages is on the way."

"This is the first round of the battle. Now we have to provide enough evidence to Fair Work Australia on what the right rate of pay should be and then get the State and Federal Governments to agree to fund the community sector to pay workers what they are worth.

"We'll be continuing our fight for better pay during our National Day of Action on Equal Work for Equal Pay on June the 8th.

"In Adelaide, there will be a rally at midday at the Adelaide Town Hall, and we're expecting thousands of community workers to come along and show their support for equal pay."