United Voice News
Education wages decision will send people backwards
The decision handed down by the West Australian Industrial Relations Commission on Friday will send low paid education support workers backwards financially. The WAIRC ruled that education assistants will receive an 11% wage rise and cleaners and gardeners 8.75% over three years.
Both increases are below the wage price index. LHMU members in schools are seeking parity with teachers who received 20% over three years from the Barnett government. The police received 8% over two years.
Dave Kelly, secretary LHMU said of the decision: “While the wages decision makes a complete mockery of the government’s offer of 8%, this decision will still send low these workers backwards financially.
“Mr Barnett will probably be celebrating that his surplus is secure. Our members will be wondering how they are going to pay their heating bills.
'Huge increases'
“The state government has imposed huge increases on household budgets and refused to negotiate in good faith with them. Our members were forced into arbitration because of the bullying tactics of this government; they were subjected to having their pay stopped for engaging in minor work bans.
“Every action by the Barnett government indicates they have no regard for the work our members do in schools, who already earn less that $30k pa.”
Jo Parnell, an education assistant from Wanneroo Primary School said: “I’m disappointed. And I’m asking Mr Barnet how am I supposed to pay my bills?
“I’m really worried for the cleaners and gardeners at my school. They struggle to survive and I don’t know if that can continue with this pitiful wage increase.”
HOW CAN OUR CLEANERS AND GARDENERS WHO ARE ON EVEN LESS THAN ME, MANAGE?
ALTHOUGH, REALISTICALLY, I DID NOT EXPECTED TO GET THE SAME PERCENTAGE INCREASE AS TEACHERS DID (KNOWING THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAS NEVER FULLY VALUED THE WORK WE DO), I DID AT LEAST EXPECT SOMETHING IN THE MIDDLE BETWEEN THEIR PATHETIC OFFER AND OUR CLAIM. 11% HAS MADE ME WEEP.
DOES ANYONE KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO BUY A NICE LITTLE CAR, BECAUSE I TRULY CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP IT NOW?
SAD, ANGRY, HURT, CONFUSED. PROUD WE TOOK A STAND AND GOT MORE THAN THEY WANTED TO GIVE US, BUT SHATTERED BY THE FINANCIAL RAMIFICATIONS TO MEMBERS BY THE OUTCOME OF THIS DECISION.