SACS Workers Red Hot as thousands turn up for Respect rally!

 SACS Workers Red Hot as thousands turn up for Respect rally!

Almost 4000 social and community services workers in not-for-profit organisations from across Victoria came together today to rally on the steps of Parliament to call on the Brumby Government to fund the sector properly!

ASU members finally drew the line in the sand after more than 18 months of “asking nicely”, lobbying and continuing to soldier on in an underfunded, overworked sector, clearly sick of the fact that there has been no commitment from Premier Brumby to address our concerns.

ASU delegate Pia Cerveri said that today “showed that my colleagues have had enough and are no longer prepared to accept poor wages and conditions that have dogged our sector.  We are no longer going to lie down and accept things.  We will keep going until we get what we’re demanding.”

ASU representatives have been told by sources inside Parliament that chanting and whistles were heard loud and clear from sitting members inside the chambers.

Members moved from spilling over the steps of the Victorian Parliament - closing Spring St – to marching forward and chanting “we don’t want charity, we just want parity”, finally stopping at Treasury, delivering a loud and clear message.  Show us Respect.  Members pledged their determination to continue the campaign until the ASU helps its members get the Government funding they deserve.

Click on the You Tube video to witness the noise made on the steps of parliament house 

Where to next?

A Forum for all Delegates, activists and interested members will be held.

This important meeting will discuss dealing with AWARD MODERNISATION, THE ASU PAY EQUITY CASE & what this will mean for workers & the ASU FUNDING CAMPAIGN:

When:             Thursday December 10 from 1.00pm - 5.00pm

Venue:            TBA

Register today by emailing pbarden@asuvic.com

There was a State and National petition in support of the national equal pay case launched today.  Download them from here (Legislative Assembly) and here (Legislative Council) and start collecting them today – we need thousands!

Thanks to all union delegates and members who worked hard to make today such a resounding success.

Take a look at the gallery of photos from the day on Flickr