United Workers Union has welcomed today’s (EDS: Thursday, September 12) introduction of legislation in Federal Parliament to deliver a pay rise for early childhood educators across the country.
“The early education sector can now see the underpinning legislation that will ensure the delivery of a 15 per cent pay rise to early educators,” United Workers Union National President Jo Schofield said today.
“With the pay rises supported by educators, employers, unions and the Federal Government, the legislation to be introduced this week is an important step towards delivering pay rises starting in December.
“Educators stand to be about $100 a week better off in December. We calculate the first and second pay rises and the usual lift in award wages will mean educators will be $10,000 a year better off.
“The legislation provides the basis for centres to pass through pay rises to long-suffering early educators.
“This ground-breaking legislation does two important things for educators and the families who rely on them – it puts the pay rises beyond doubt; and it shows families will not be forced to pay extra.
“These pay rises address a workforce crisis that has seen educators pushed to the limit, and has posed a real threat to the quality of care received by families and children.
“The feedback we are getting is that educators see this pay rise as an important step to being valued and recognised for the vital work they do.
“It’s now up to the Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton, to show his support for low-paid educators and back legislation to help get Australians’ wages moving.
“Just last week we saw the Jobs and Skills Australia report showing a current shortfall of 21,000 educators – these are educators who need to be attracted to, and retained in, the sector.
“Our recommendation to centres throughout Australia who want to attract and keep their educators is to get on board and make sure they are ready to pass on this historic wage increase.”