Child care OH&S "a time bomb"

Date: 07 March 2001

Victorian child care workers are so fed up with their lousy wages and conditions, they are prepared to go on strike.

Child care workers are suffering record levels of stress related illnesses and parents cannot afford the cost of child care, according to two Victorian surveys released today.

"Child care workers are carrying the burden of a lack of resources and are fed up with the community and politicians failing to recognise the skills required to look after young children," says Moreen Lyons, Australian Services Union child care officer who conducted the surveys.

"The ASU is deeply concerned at the high levels of work related injury reported by child care workers," said Ms Lyons. "The level of physical, mental and emotional strain experienced by child care workers is unacceptable." Fifty six percent reported back injuries; 77% said they suffered work related anxiety; 62% reported muscle strain and 85% said they had work related headaches.

Speaking at the launch of the surveys today Dr Helen Sutcliffe, Occupational Physician, Victorian Workers Health Centre at Trades Hall, confirmed that the child care sector was a "time bomb waiting to explode". These injuries are preventable and the situation is intolerable. Unless something is done, a valuable part of the community will be devastated.

The survey of workers conducted in metropolitan and regional areas, found they were prepared to take industrial action to improve their deteriorating working conditions. 80% said they were prepared to go on strike and 70% said they would impose working bans.

ACTU President Sharan Burrow told the survey launch at Coventry Street Child Care Centre, South Melbourne that child care was shaping up to be an election issue given the number of families trying to balance work and family lives. The Federal Government has child care cut funding by $850 million since 1997. The occupational health problems together with the funding crisis in child care was "absolutely shameful," said Ms Burrow. "It is an Australian story that has to be told. John Howard stands condemned on child care and the politicians who address the resource issue will win votes at the next election."

The ASU surveys also found:
- 68% of respondents worked unpaid overtime.
- 89% believe their pay does not adequately reflect their skill and expertise.
-100% said improved wages and conditions would make child care a more attractive career option.
- the number of low-income families accessing child care has dropped 7% since 1998.
- 40% of centres said parents were giving up child care places because of the cost.

Note: The reports "Child Care workers in local government - occupational health and safety report, 2000" and "Victorian Local Government Child Care Survey, December 2000" are published by the ASU, 116-124 Queensbury Street, Carlton, 3053.The ASU represents the majority of child care workers in local government in Victoria.

For further information

Contact:	Moreen Lyons, ASU child care officer
Union:	Victorian Trades Hall Council - OHS Unit
Phone:	03 9342 3400

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