Pay rise for early childhood workers

Press, 21 May 1987, Page 8

Pay rise for early childhood workers

PA Wellington Early childhood workers will get a 24 per cent wage rise, but not until August 31. The award, covering about 500 childcare centres and more than 2000 workers, was settled in Wellington this week. An employers’ advocate, Ms Fiona Rewe, said implementation was delayed because some employers needed time to “restructure.” “Some fees will have to go up,” she said. The union’s national secretary, Ms Helen Baxter, said the settlement was a small step towards recognising the true value and importance of childcare work. But the new $5.30 hourly rate for untrained workers was only 5c above the adult minimum rate and the $6.39 and $7.50 rates for trained workers and supervisors were lower than those paid by employers not covered by the national award. Employers also renewed last year’s claim for youth rates, which the union again refused to accept, Ms Rewe said. Nor did the union accept that it should be held responsible for any increase in fees. Childcare centres in Otago and Southland, and in other parts of New Zealand which were covered by the consenting parties’ agreement, paid higher rates but did not charge higher fees. Improvements in the award include a one-day increase in the annual sick leave entitlement, which is now six days, accumulating to 30 days, and a reduction from 10 to seven years in service needed to qualify for a fourth week of annual leave. Negotiations broke down on May 5 and last week the union took action which included a march in Wellington.