Community and disability services workers across NSW are gearing up to rally for fairer pay and career growth as part of a national week of action (Nov 4-10).
At least two in three community workers are underclassified meaning they are not earning a salary that reflects their duties, skills, experience and qualifications.
The issue is emerging as a key campaign for the Australian Services Union ahead of the federal election.
ASU NSW & ACT secretary Angus McFarland said: "For too long, community and disability support workers have been overworked, undervalued and underpaid.
"Everything is progressing for community and disability support workers except for their pay and careers. Despite their increasing experience, skills, qualifications, responsibilities, and the complexity and stress of their work, they remain stuck on the same job level and pay scale for years, and sometimes for their entire careers.
"There are few rungs on the ladder to climb in the community and disability support sector and pay increases aren't an automatic entitlement. Workers who have more responsibilities, complex workloads, and decades of experience often have a similar take-home pay to an entry-level staffer. Moving out of frontline work and into management is usually one of the only ways to increase your wage.
"Poor pay and career progression discourages further upskilling, leads to high staff turnover and contributes to personal financial strain. People with disabilities, those experiencing domestic violence, vulnerable children, and others who are in need deserve a sufficient and skilled workforce to support them - something only achievable when workers are respected and valued through fair pay, clear career pathways, ongoing training and job security."
The Fair Work Commission is examining the ASU's case to change the pay structure in the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services (SCHADS) Award.
"The Award is outdated - the job classification structure hasn't been changed in 30 years but the growing complexity of community and disability support work has. The Award must have a clear classification structure where minimum rates of pay match a worker's responsibilities, skills, experience and qualifications.
"We urge the federal government to back our case in the Fair Work Commission for fair pay and career progression for community and disability service workers and for increased funding for services so that these vital changes can be realised.
"Tackling underclassification goes beyond recognising and fairly compensating workers - it's also about supporting a female-dominated workforce and securing the future of a sector that could help any of us when we are in need."
Week of rallies in NSW include:
Monday November 4, 12.30pm: Newcastle - Train Sheds, Foreshore Park
Wednesday November 6, 11am: Western Sydney - Revesby Workers Club
Thursday November 7, 11.30am: Illawarra - Heininger Hall, Dapto Ribbonwood Centre
Friday November 8, 11.30am - Blue Mountains - Katoomba Civic Centre Arcade
