Pay Equity for Queensland Community Services Workers!

Setting the Benchmark for ASU community sector campaigns in South Australia and Northern Territory

In a historic decision handed down by the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission on 6 May 2009 the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission awarded wage increases of between 18 to 37% to Queensland community services workers.

A Pay Equity decision found that the work of the non government community services sector is undervalued in relation to public sector work and due to the fact that the sector is dominated by women workers.

The result is that pay in Queensland will increase by between 18 to 37% over 3 years and these increases started on 31 July 2009!

Through long term campaigning by the whole community services sector the Queensland government has agreed to fund the decision.

This is a stunning victory for ASU members in Queensland and those that have supported the Pay Equity case. This represents recognition in Queensland that in order to continue to provide high quality services to vulnerable and disadvantaged people, addressing workforce issues like low pay which effect attraction and retention is imperative.

So are we in South Australia and Northern Territory worth any less? Should we be paid 25 to 30% less than colleagues performing the same work in Queensland? We say NO! Our campaigns now have a new goal - equity!

We are currently considering how we run similar cases at a state, Territory and/or federal level and how we continue to lobby governments for funding for wage increases.

Please see print friendly newsletter link below for comparisons.

For further information, contact your ASU.

Download File:
Print Friendly - Award Comparison Newsletter [ pdf ]