HUNDREDS of protesters are expected to converge on Paul Keating Park, Bankstown, on Tuesday, March 17, at 12.15pm as part of the fight to save jobs, community services and maintain Equal Pay rates agreed to in 2012.
Bankstown Women’s Health Centre (BWHC) is supporting the South West Sydney Australian Social Union (ASU) Activism group and the Australian Social Union to stop the Federal Government from ripping $500 million in cuts from the community and disability sector.
BWHC CEO Mariam Mourad said: “In 2012, ASU members won Equal Pay in the community and disability sector with guaranteed funding until December 2020.
“It’s why we get a pay rise every December. Now it’s clear that many government departments have not budgeted to lift the funding of programs into the future. We are approaching a funding cliff that would slash jobs and services.”
The majority of community workers are women; save equal campaign is about promoting gender equality, achieving social justice and valuing the work that women do. “We at BWHC are very worried that if the Government does not commit to the ongoing funding, the implications will be huge in relation to service delivery,” Ms Mourad said.
“This will mean there will be a significant reduction in services across the State and we invite everyone to show support and join our rally on Tuesday.”
Foundation members of the Save Equal Pay Alliance include Domestic Violence NSW, Homelessness NSW, Welfare Rights Centre, Women’s Health NSW, Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association, Women’s Resource Centre, Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW, Women’s Legal Service NSW, Samaritans and Mental Health Community Coalition.
For further info, visit asumembers.org.au, call 9310 4000 or BWHC on 9790 1378.
