TWO BIG WINS FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIAN WORKING PEOPLE - WILL THERE BE MORE TOMORROW?

8 June 2011

On the day before the State Budget, there have been big wins for South Australian working people.

Staff in the community sector in South Australia have won their four year fight for equal pay after a huge rally in the city today, and the Public Service Association has won the right to have its case against cuts to pay and conditions heard by the full Court of the High Court.

SA Unions Secretary, Janet Giles says it is a historic day for people working in the community services sector.

"They have proved that if people fight long and hard, and keep on fighting for what is right and fair, they will succeed."

"The Government's decision to fund pay rises for community sector workers shows that unions can fight campaigns and win."

"Congratulations to the Australian Services Union on their victory in this four year battle for equal pay for equal work."

The Public Service Association heard today that the High Court has agreed to hear their case against the State Government for unilaterally taking away their members' long service leave entitlements.

Ms Giles says this is also groundbreaking and could lead to a reversal of the decision made by Kevin Foley in the last Federal Budget to remove long service leave entitlements through legislation rather than a collective bargaining process.

"Unions in South Australia will support the High Court challenge because we are committed to continue campaigning until our members conditions are restored and services to the community are supported."