Fair Work Australia (FWA) yesterday announced its decision on the Federal Equal Remuneration Case, acknowledging that pay rates in the community sector have for too long undervalued workers and been based on gender. YANQ Director, Siyavash Doostkhah, welcomed FWA's decision today, saying, “It's a decision that has the possibility to create a stronger community sector and support front-line workers in assisting some of the most disadvantaged people in our society, including at risk youth”.
“It can also assist us in attracting the next generation of workers to the sector, and to truly value the amazing work that community workers do”.
However, Mr Doostkhah also warned that these advances may be limited if the decision is not backed by adequate funding from Federal and State Governments.
“The deicison is positive, but now we need proof of the pudding. We acknowledge the comprehensive funding package committed to by the Federal Government for federally funded workers, but now call on the Queensland Government to match this to ensure there isn't a gap.”
“The 2009 Queensland Transitional Pay Equity Order was historic in the same way as the FWA decision, and although the Queensland Government did provide $414 million to fund the increase, the decision was not fully funded, and some community workers were left out in the cold. This meant services had to foot the bill themselves, impacting on the quality of the service they were able to provide.”
“In order to truly implement the spirit of the FWA decision, all federal and state funded positions must be provided with a full subsidy so the Equal Remuneration Case does not impact on the quality of the sector's services. Let's use this opportunity to build a stronger community sector that can provide excellent services and acknowlege the incredible work done by workers.”
For comment, contact Siyavash Doostkhah on 07 3844 7713.
N.B. Queensland services should note that for some organisations, the Queensland Transition Pay Equity Order remains in place until the federal rates exceed state pay equity rates. Organisations should seek advice on their individal position. The Queensland Council of Social Services has a list of links on the Community Door website to inform organisations of the changes.
“It can also assist us in attracting the next generation of workers to the sector, and to truly value the amazing work that community workers do”.
However, Mr Doostkhah also warned that these advances may be limited if the decision is not backed by adequate funding from Federal and State Governments.
“The deicison is positive, but now we need proof of the pudding. We acknowledge the comprehensive funding package committed to by the Federal Government for federally funded workers, but now call on the Queensland Government to match this to ensure there isn't a gap.”
“The 2009 Queensland Transitional Pay Equity Order was historic in the same way as the FWA decision, and although the Queensland Government did provide $414 million to fund the increase, the decision was not fully funded, and some community workers were left out in the cold. This meant services had to foot the bill themselves, impacting on the quality of the service they were able to provide.”
“In order to truly implement the spirit of the FWA decision, all federal and state funded positions must be provided with a full subsidy so the Equal Remuneration Case does not impact on the quality of the sector's services. Let's use this opportunity to build a stronger community sector that can provide excellent services and acknowlege the incredible work done by workers.”
For comment, contact Siyavash Doostkhah on 07 3844 7713.
N.B. Queensland services should note that for some organisations, the Queensland Transition Pay Equity Order remains in place until the federal rates exceed state pay equity rates. Organisations should seek advice on their individal position. The Queensland Council of Social Services has a list of links on the Community Door website to inform organisations of the changes.
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