The Women’s Electoral Lobby (WEL) congratulate Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s announcement to fund wage increases for community sector workers.
WEL spokesperson Sue Hammond said that increases for the sector are is a step in the right direction to close the 17% pay gap between men and women.
“This has been a long time coming and although we are concerned women will have to wait six years to see these pay increases in full, this decision will make a big difference for women.”
The announcement will support Australian Services Union submissions to the Equal Pay Test Case currently being heard at Fair Work Australia to make appropriate wage adjustments for this work.
“Now we hope that this commitment from the Federal Government will see all state and territory governments support pay increases.
“There is now absolutely no excuse for our state and territory leaders to abandon community workers in their struggle for a pay rise.”
