Social and community sector (SACS) workers in NSW are holding a day of action to demand equal pay with their Queensland colleagues and with NSW public sector workers doing the same job.

In Lismore there will be a rally at the Lismore Workers Club this Friday, August 7, from midday. Mayor Jenny Dowell will be a guest speaker, along with representatives from the industry who hope to highlight their arguments for equal pay.

Local organiser for the Australian Services Union Punita Boardman (pictured) said the issue has been highlighted by a recent decision by the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission to give an increase of 18 to 37% to SACS workers north of the border. She said the decision means they are now being paid an average of 25 to 30% more than NSW SACS workers for the same work.

She said she hoped the day of action would put pressure on the state government to fund the wage increase.

“We have been offered a paltry 2.4% increase. We are looking at 4% this year and up to 30% over the next few years,” Ms Boardman said.

She said she hoped the rally would also spark local SACS workers out of their apathy.

“If people in the industry don’t join, how can they expect the campaign to happen quickly? We think they are worth 30% more, do they think they are are worth it?”