News

Organised by United Voice, Australian childcare workers went on strike for the first time in 30 years. The strike was part of a continuing attempt by activists, educators and trade unions to improve pay rates for early childhood educators, in particular women.

In a mostly female industry, there is still a massive pay gap, with male employees earning up to 30% more than their female counterparts.

Director of UNICARE, Adrian Durtschi said, “ Care workers around the world are victims of pay discrimination. UNI supports careworkers’ struggle around the world for equal pay, and applauds the work of United Voice in their fight for equal pay.”

Helen Gibbons, Assistant National Secretary of the United Voice of Australia, said, "We are calling on the federal government and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to stand up for early educators and that it is unacceptable for them to still earn less than their male counterparts. Women in childcare are undervalued - with this strike, they have said 'enough is enough' and are demanding respect and equal pay."

“Early educators are on about half the average wage for primary school teachers – the equal pay campaign is about calling on the community  and government to close the gender pay gap.”

To find out more about the campaign, please visit Bigsteps.org.au