Pay Equity Win For Council Workers

Date: 16 February 2004

The full bench of the New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission today approved a reduction of hours from 38 to 35 hours per week for professional and specialist workers in the community services sector in local government.

According to the United Services Union, representing Local Government Workers across NSW, the reduction of working hours represents a huge win in the fight for equal pay on behalf of the female dominated community services workers.

The disparity in working hours for female local government professionals has been a continuing grievance within the industry for years. Male dominated professions such as Engineers, Health and Building Surveyors and Town Planners have enjoyed the 35-hour week for many years.

"This is a huge win for women in local government" said USU General Secretary Brian Harris. "The reduction of working hours marks a turning point by giving community services professionals the same level and status as male professionals in local government.

The variation affects the range of workers in the Professional/Specialists Band of the Local Government (State) Award, including Child Care Centre Directors, Early Childhood Educators, Children's Services Managers and a diverse range of professional and specialist workers in areas of youth, age, disability, multicultural and Aboriginal services as well as social planning and other areas.

The improved working conditions will also mean an increase in the hourly rate of pay for those employees working on a part -time basis.

The United Services Union will continue to campaign for the improvement of pay equity outcomes for women.

A full copy of the award variation and implementation agreement will be posted on the Union's website at http://www.meu.org.au/legal_news.html

For further information please contact:
United Services Union Research Officer Lyn Fraser on 0408 492 737,
United Services Union Womens Officer Julie Griffiths on 0419 128 497 or
United Services Union Manager Legal Ben Kruse on 0419 623 984.

For further information

Contact:	Brian Harris
Union:	United Services Union
Phone:	(02) 9265 8211
Email:	united@usu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.usu.org.au

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