Pay Equity Progress
The Federal Government has announced that it will make a joint submission with the Australian Services Union (ASU) to Fair Work Australia (FWA) in the ongoing pay equity case for community sector workers.
The joint submission will propose a new pay structure, along the lines of that implemented in Queensland in 2009. The proposal recommends that pay increases commence from 1 December 2012 and are phased in over a period of 6 years. If agreed to by FWA, the proposed new pay structure will provide significant wage increases for staff currently employed in SACS and disability roles.
This is a significant milestone in the pay equity case. Earlier this year FWA acknowledged that pay inequity exists in our sector however there was no agreement about the quantum of this inequity or how to redress it. This proposal by the Government and ASU will be significant in putting forward a resolution to those issues.
However there is still some way to go on this issue with at least two State Governments, including Victoria, arguing for lower wage outcomes. In a significant boost to the case, the Federal Government also announced that it will commit $2 billion in funding to support the pay increases, with an expectation that State Governments will meet the remaining costs. FWA recognises that without additional Government funding, the not-for-profit sector would be unable to afford the proposed pay increases.
Melbourne Citymission has actively supported the pay equity case through submissions to FWA and through hosting a site visit by the full bench of FWA. We welcome this development and hope that all levels of Government will commit the necessary funding to allow the successful conclusion and implementation of this landmark case. Final hearings in the case are due to be heard by FWA in early December.
Melbourne Citymission workers were quoted in a Herald Sun article on Friday 11th November, click here to read it.
Melbourne Citymission
Melbourne Citymission works with people experiencing disadvantage across Melbourne and Victoria. Every week we help thousands of people build a clear pathway away from economic exclusion and social isolation.
Our services support:
- people to find a pathway out of homelessness
- people with a disability to get the resources and support they need to live the life they want
- people to break the cycle of poverty and abuse
- people to find jobs, or enter into education and training.
