News

2014 is a big year for early childhood educators in Australia. This year they could see some of the biggest changes the sector has ever seen.

Firstly, Australia's Productivity Commission is tasked with carrying out an in depth investigation into the early childhood education and care sector. And secondly, the 'Big Steps Case' which looks into pay in the sector, will be heard this year.

The early childhood education union, UNI Global Union affiliate United Voice, has called on educators, the real experts about the industry, to speak up and be a part of both processes. Throughout January, educators have submitted their thoughts, ideas and plans for the future to the Productivity Commission and taken up this opportunity to shape the future. With the Productivity Commission Inquiry and the Big Steps Case in the same year, this really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to change early childhood education and care in Australia forever.

Educators are calling for quality, professional wages and the educational needs of children to be the first considerations for any decisions made about the sector.

'As an educator, we wear countless hats - educator, carer, photographer, record keeper, interior designer, counsellor, environmentalist, cleaner, scientist, storyteller, umpire, dancer, singer, actor, chef... and yet we are paid LESS than babysitters. I am a professional. I want my wages to reflect my profession - not just for me but to attract and retain QUALITY staff to benefit children, families, employers and our nation as a whole. For the first time in history, the Big Steps Campaign gives us this opportunity. There's no reason not to - join our union United Voice and be an activist in The Big Steps Campaign TODAY!' - Marion Rakosi, Early Childhood Educator and United Voice member.

• To support the Big Steps case for better pay sign educators' petition click here
• For more about the Productivity Commission Inquiry click here and to read United Voice's submission see the link at the end of this article.
• For more about the Big Steps Campaign see: http://bigsteps.org.au/
• And for more about United Voice, go to: http://www.unitedvoice.org.au/

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