THE debate over award rates for community services workers continued this week with Community Employers WA saying the Victorian government’s decision to increase award rates should motivate Premier Colin Barnett to do the same.
“It is now time for the Barnett government to make a similar statement of support for its own community service workers here in Western Australia,” Community Employers WA’s executive director James Lawton said.
Victorian Premier John Brumby has stated that his government will factor in any wage increases to our service agreements with community service organisations and ensure those wages are passed on to workers.
“So far, the Western Australian government has failed to put its money where its mouth is. In light of the example set by Victoria, employers are rightfully asking the WA government for a firm financial commitment to address the underfunding in the sector and alarming inequity in pay for community sector staff,” Mr Lawton said.
“We are now calling on both the federal and WA governments to fully fund any pay increases to the sector that are passed through Fair Work Australia.”