This is the spot to keep up to date on all the latest news our quality training solutions and other updates on training in the community service sector in Australia. Check back often as we will update this space regularly.
Here’s some good news for Community Sector Employes around Australia…
In a historic equal pay decision by Fair Work Australia more than 150,000 community sector workers can expect significant pay rises over the next eight years. This is expected to boost the pay of the workforce by between 40 to 65 per cent over the next eight years.
This means that social workers, carers and child protection workers will be among those who will eventually be paid the same as those in the public service.
During a workplace tribunal last year it was found that the female-dominated community and disability sectors workers were underpaid compared to public service workers doing similar jobs.
In particular, the tribunal found "gender was an important influence" in why workers in community jobs were short-changed.
The first of February ruling from Fair Work means that the highest paid employees will receive a 41%, $A24,000, pay rise, bringing their annual salary to $A83,000. Those on the lowest award rates will receive a rise of 19%, an increase of around $A6000 per year.
These changes are estimated to affect around 150, 000 workers across Australia. We can’t help but agree with Lisa Darmanin, ASU Victoria and Tasmania assistant branch secretary, when she said the decision was "history making" and a "turning point for women workers in Australia".
While workers in the industry are rejoicing, employer groups have reacted with alarm and have warned it will lead to huge wage claims in other female-dominated professions such as nursing and teaching.
We’ll keep you posted.
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At a Gala Dinner and award presentations in September Equalis was announced the winner of the 2011 NSW Training Awards 'Small Training Provider of the Year'. Having been shortlisted as finalists the Equalis team were excited to be nominated and even more thrilled to accept the award on behalf of all staff and students The Equalis team works tirelessly to deliver an outstanding vocational education and training service and we're overjoyed that the entire team's hard work and dedication has been recognised. It's not the first time our hard work in the training sector has gained up official recognition- Equalis was named a State Finalist in the "Small Training Provider of the Year" category in the 2006 NSW State Training Awards, ranking us in the top three training providers in NSW. Back in 2005, Equalis won a Champion of Champions Small Business Award for "Best Regional Small Business". Of course we love receiving these awards, but more importantly, it means our students are receiving some of the best training in New South Wales. And that's what we are all about. |
