Higher Pay
Whether you work for a large company, for a government or non-profit organisation, or a small business, your union has your back. We look out for one another and share our experiences at work so that when things aren’t going right, we can make change.
Higher wages are just one of the ways we can feel more valued at work, but even small pay increases can make a real difference to people’s lives.
“Backing us and looking out to increase our wages”
These shopping centre cleaners won a 6.5% pay increase. They stood together and demanded more – higher wages, safer jobs and recognition and they got it. After negotiating a 3% pay increase in their new workplace agreement on top of the national minimum wage increase of 3.5% in the same year, they received an immediate 6.5% increase.
“I’d never been part of any kind of union. Didn’t really know much about it. They basically came in, introduced themselves and explained a bit about what they do. They have our back and try to leverage a fair pay deal for all of us workers.
“Now we’re going to be getting a nice little pay rise. Me and my partner are looking forward to a trip later in the year. With a bit of extra money, that’ll take the pressure off and I’ll just be able to enjoy my trip.”
“We’ve still got a long way to go. But this is awesome!”
“It’s going to mean a lot to everybody in our sector to do basic things like sending our children to sporting activities, putting food that we want to on our kids’ tables. The simple things. And to get this just before Christmas is just amazing.”
Christine, Early Childhood Educator and UWU Delegate, New South Wales
“Life changing”
For health and disability support workers like Kristie and Trudy, the pay rise won by UWU public sector members in South Australia is life changing. After 8 months of bargaining with the SA government, they eventually won fair pay and respect.
“To have this kind of increase is pretty massive, it’s going to help a lot of us in our futures. I have worked in this industry for 16 years and this is the biggest increase I have seen.”
Kristie, Food and Diet Monitor and UWU delegate, South Australia
“I feel ecstatic. I thought it was absolutely amazing, all the hard work that has gone into it. I feel respected, valued that finally we are getting something worthy.”
Trudy, Direct Care Attendant and UWU Delegate, South Australia.
UWU members in health, aged care, disability support and early childhood education and care won a historic pay rise, by standing together as union members, never backing down or caving in. UWU members know their worth, fight for it and win.
Get involved now
Talk to your coworkers and join UWU to create a workplace where you are respected and paid fairly for your work. We all deserve safety, security, respect and fair pay.
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