Union seeks 25% pay rise for 300,000 welfare workers
The union is seeking around 25 per cent pay rise for about 300,000 welfare workers.
Amber Vine left her federal public service job. Amber now works with abuse survivors and prisoners at Relationships Australia.
Amber took a 50 per cent pay cut. Amber's wages have not kept pace with living costs.
The demand for her services keeps rising. The union wants entry-level caseworkers to earn up to about 100,000 dollars a year.
Work in the sector has gotten harder. Caseworkers now handle violence, trauma, mental health, child protection and housing issues all at once.
The union says state, territory and federal governments must fund whatever the Fair Work Commission approves.
- About 300,000
- Workers affected
- Around 25 percent
- Pay rise sought
- Up to about $100,000 a year
- Target entry-level wage
- 50 percent
- Vine's pay cut
Why it mattersEssential workers supporting vulnerable people are struggling financially. Government funding decisions will shape whether this sector can keep its staff.
AustraliaIf the Fair Work Commission agrees, hundreds of thousands of Australian care and support workers across all states could see their first significant pay rise in years.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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