2017-03-08
The Australian Greens stand in solidarity with the thousands of childcare workers striking this afternoon to highlight the low wages they receive for the important task of providing care and education to Australian children.
“Early childhood educators are grossly underpaid for the valuable work they do. They teach, nurture and guide children in one of the most important phases of their learning life,” Greens education spokesperson Senator Hanson-Young said.
"We all know cleaners don't get paid much, and when the staff who clean the childcare centre are getting paid more than the people caring for the children who attend, we know there is a problem.
“The staff striking today are sending a clear message to the Government; for too long they have been overlooked and undervalued for the important part they play in children’s upbringing.
“Jobs in early childcare education are nation-building, and they require a highly-skilled workforce. To see this disparagingly reflected through wages is unfair and needs to be tackled.
“The Greens know that families are doing it tough and understand the importance of early childhood education. We will work to give Australian children the best possible start in life and will stand with childcare workers who have been underappreciated and overlooked for far too long.”
Media contact: Amy Moran 0427 604 760