Frustrated childcare workers who say they are overworked and underpaid are calling for an immediate 25 per cent wage rise to help fix problems of high turnover in the industry.
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Experts say low pay, sub-par working conditions and inadequate government funding have led to staffing shortages across the sector as childcare centres struggle to keep up with growing demand.
An estimated 30 to 48 per cent of educators leave the sector each year, a rate that is double the national turnover average, according to a federal budget submission by the United Workers Union (UWU).
UWU early education director Helen Gibbons said it was difficult to retain workers in the industry, particularly as the cost of living increased.
"Low pay and high stress mean the best and brightest educators are leaving the sector in droves," she said.
"Educators are barely able to survive on the wages they are paid amid soaring cost-of-living increases. As a result, turnover is going through the roof and workloads are unacceptably high."
In a pre-budget submission, the union called for the federal government to allocate funding for an up-front and immediate 25 per cent pay rise for early childhood educators "in recognition of the historical under-valuation of care work".
The lobbying push follows a 15 per cent pay increase for aged-care workers approved by the Fair Work Commission in October.
Debbie, a centre director with Clovelly Child Care Centre in Sydney's east, said high turnover in the childcare sector meant some families were missing out.
"The strongest impact is that families who are trying to find a place for their children are finding it difficult," she said.
"It's a disgrace that educators who are trained professionals are getting the lowest wages - some are only earning $26 an hour."
A spokesperson for Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke said childcare workers deserve to be paid fairly.
"This Government understands the importance of getting wages moving - particularly in low-paid, female-dominated sectors, like early childhood education and care. That's exactly why we passed the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill last year," the spokesperson said.
"Early childhood educators do such important and highly skilled work. It's crucial that is properly valued and recognised."
Australian Associated Press
