Historic Equal Pay Victory

From Unions NSW Secretary Mark Lennon

I would like to congratulate the Australian Services Union (ASU) on their historic victory in the equal pay case. One that the entire union movement should acknowledge and celebrate!

The ASU has achieved a remarkable result thanks to their outstanding campaign supported by the whole union movement.

In an historic decision Fair Work Australia (FWA) has awarded ASU members equal pay. In a decision handed down in Melbourne at 12 noon on Wednesday February 1st 2012. FWA ruled to implement the agreement that had been reached between the ASU and the Australian Government – the Queensland rates of pay for everyone.

"This is a time in a generation – a day for all women to celebrate" said ASU Secretary Sally McManus

In summary the Tribunal decision means that: •

• The work of social and community service workers has been undervalued on the basis of gender.• 
• The rates of pay should be significantly increased • 
• The rates of pay should effectively be the same as the Queensland rates of pay • 
• The new rates should phase in over an 8 year period not a 6 year period • 
• The graduate entry points for 3 and 4 year graduates should be increased one pay point on the new Modern Award scale so that they are the same as the Queensland Award 

Congratulations to all involved.