Wake Up & Pay Up

Equal pay win for community sector workers

Social, community and disability workers have been awarded significant pay rises in a historic decision by Fair Work Australia in the equal pay case.

Unions, including the AEU, lodged the national pay equity case in March 2010 to address the gender-based undervaluation of the community services sector and deliver long overdue pay increases.

Fair Work Australia determined that social and community sector workers have been underpaid for many years, and has ruled that Award wage rates must be increased by between 19% and 41%.

Congratulations to everyone who has been part of the campaign that has resulted in this historic decision. More than ever we need to keep the pressure on the Baillieu Government to ensure it honours its pre-election promise to fully fund this decision.

What does this mean for AEU members?

As many AEU disability members are not employed on Award rates but on agreements negotiated between the AEU and employers, it is not yet clear what this decision will mean in terms of salary increases for members in disability services.

AEU officers are currently analysing the Fair Work decision and will soon be able to clarify for members exactly how the decision will affect their wages.

We will present a full analysis of the Fair Work decision to the statewide Disability Services Committee on Tuesday February 21 at 5pm at the AEU's Abbotsford office. This meeting is open to all AEU members in disability services.

We will then provide information sheets explaining what changes members can expect at each disability service across the state.

Why are we campaigning?

FWA's decision in the equal pay case won’t make a difference unless government funding to disability services increases to match.

In opposition, Ted Baillieu said he would do just that — now as Premier, he says that funding the outcome may mean cuts to jobs and services.

In an historic ruling, Fair Work Australia accepted unions' case that social, community and disability workers are underpaid compared to similar government empoyees, and that at least part of that gap is due to gender.

But we need the Victorian Government to pledge to meet this outcome in full. Otherwise, any pay rise will be paid for by workers through cuts in hours, services and jobs.

The Federal Government has made this pledge; but in a backflip on its election policy, the Victorian Government has set aside an inadequate $50 million per year, and warned that anything more will lead to cuts in hours and services.

The need for us to keep the pressure on even greater. Without the necessary funding, employers will not be able to pay wage increases.

Tell Ted that Victorians deserve Equal Pay

Send a message to the Baillieu Government to keep its election promise and fund equal pay for community sector workers.

Other governments around the country have made this commitment. Why not Victoria?

If you are a disability, social or community worker, please click here to send an email to the Premier and relevant MPs.

If you support the campaign for equal pay, please click here to send an email to Premier and relevant MPs.

To support the national campaign, visit the Pay Up! website.

June Rally for Equal Pay

AEU members came from across the state for the most important National Day of Action yet. Social, community and disability workers brought Melbourne to a standstill as we marched on Parliament to demand that Ted Baillieu keep his pledge to fund the outcome of the equal pay case in full. You can read all about it here and in the latest AEU News.

IMGP2338 [imgp2338.jpg]

IMGP2392 [imgp2392.jpg]

P1000255 [p1000255.jpg]

Memorandum of understanding with employers

While a result from the equal pay case is pending, employers group VHIA has signed a memorandum of understanding with the AEU and union HACSU to pass on to staff at least one of two 3.25% pay increases due from July 1, 2010 and 2011. Employers have already received government funding for these pay rises. This follows a similar MOU for the 3.25% due from July 2009. More information and current rates of pay are on the disability services pay and conditions page.

Campaign resources

Get your Wake Up & Pay Up badges, stickers and postcards. Simply email us and we'll mail them to your workplace.

Fill in the postcards and return them to the AEU - we'll deliver them to the Premier in bulk. Wear the badges everywhere to raise awareness of the campaign. Place the stickers and posters in prominent places in your workplace.