The NSW Government has taken action to stop low paid workers from receiving pay rises to adequately reflect the value of their work, instead of recognising the valuable work of women in the community sector, the Australian Services Union (ASU) claims.

The new State Government’s submission to the historic Equal Pay Test Case before Fair Work Australia rejects the claim for pay equity which had been supported by the previous government.

“It beggars belief that our new Premier will not support the women and men who have been under paid for such a long time and it is appalling that the new government will go so far as to make one of its first actions a reversal of support for equal pay rights,” Australian Services Union Branch Secretary Sally McManus said.

“Community and disability workers, 87 per cent of whom are women, have one of the hardest jobs in our community, and many work tirelessly around the clock to support those most in need.

“Our government should them that their government does not support a pay rise for their dedication and hard work, recognise their invaluable work to our community and applaud these workers, not tell despite being some of the lowest paid workers in our community.

“Without these workers, our homeless people will have nowhere to stay, those with disabilities will not be supported, families in crisis would have no one to turn to. Their wages should be increased to reflect the importance and difficulty of their work, and to bring it in line with other industries. We will continue to fight for this equality.”

According to the ASU, more than 30, 000 community workers and their families in NSW alone are affected by the low wages paid in the community sector. Female-dominated sectors such as the community sector continue to earn on average 18 per cent less than male dominated sectors, despite equal pay rights being introduced more than two decades ago.

The union has announced a major campaign, including a rally outside Parliament House on 8 June to pressure the NSW Government to reconsider its position.