Welcome news for low paid support workers in health sector

The Public Service Association welcomes the news that the Government will be entering negotiations to address low pay for care and support workers in disability, home support and aged care.

"The workers in these sectors, mainly women, are paid well below the living wage for their skill and experience in caring for some of the most vulnerable in society," says Erin Polaczuk, PSA National Secretary.

"The Employment Court has found that their work has been historically undervalued because it is seen as ‘women’s work’, so it is good to see that the government, which is a major funder of the sector, is now prepared to redress the wrong."

"A major factor in these workers’ poor pay has been chronic underfunding of the sectors. The Government needs to fully fund these sectors to provide a lasting solution to the issue of low pay."

"The Government’s willingness to negotiate on better pay for these workers is a good first step but there is still a long way to go to fulfil its obligations under the Equal Pay Act."

ENDS

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