FED:Workers rally for ASU's pay test case

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-2010
FED:Workers rally for ASU's pay test case

By Susanna Dunkerley

CANBERRA, Dec 15 AAP - Hundreds of workers have rallied across the country in support
of the Australian Service Union's test case for equal pay under Labor's new workplace
laws.

Community sector workers are now taking their fight for equal pay to the states and
employers, after the federal government retracted its concerns that a pay hike would be
too costly for its budget.

The union is seeking a pay increase of up to 50 per cent for the female-dominated social
and community sectors, most of which is government funded.

The union had threatened to strike on Wednesday after the federal government released
its submission to Fair Work Australia citing budgetary concerns.

But the strike was called off this week when Workplace Relations Minister Chris Evans
wrote to the union stating support for the case.

"The submission does not assert that FWA should not award or discount equal remuneration
because of the potential impact of the Commonwealth," the letter read.

It acknowledged allowances - including salary sacrificing - did not make up for low
wages and disagreed wages should be determined by collective bargaining, as argued by
some employer groups.

Senator Evans also committed to working with the sector and state and territory governments
to solve funding problems that could arise from the decision.

ASU rally organiser Naomi Arrowsmith told a crowd of about 200 workers gathered in
Canberra the government's clarification represented a "huge backdown".

"We have shown that if you get in our way we will run you down," she told the rally,
noting that federal MPs had been inundated with angry letters over its submission.

The union's attention now turns to state and territory governments - who employ large
numbers of community workers - and employer groups opposed to the case.

The Australian Council of Social Service welcomed the federal government's altered
position but remains concerned services may be cut.

"We are still looking for a clear commitment that the commonwealth will fully fund
organisations affected by the decision, to ensure wages are paid without a reduction in
services to the community," ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie told AAP.

Paula McGrady, who works at a Canberra women's refuge, says the loss of services such
as the one she works at would be devastating.

"Our job is helping people in crisis, and if there wasn't a service like ours ... what
would the community do?" she said.

The 44-year-old is often on call 24 hours a day, including public holidays, and admits
she has thought about leaving because of the poor pay.

"But I actually really love what I do, which is why I've stayed for so long."

A final determination by FWA on the case is expected after April next year.

AAP sld/sb/jl

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