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Social service workers demand Equal Pay for Equal Work! |
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On average, social service workers employed by NGOs are paid 37% less
than their counterparts in government departments because of the
inadequate subsidies provided to NGOs.
This is not only unfair on the NGO sector, but also has a detrimental
effect. The NGO sector faces challenges of high staff turnover,
shortages of skilled and trained staff and difficulties in filling
vacancies. As a result, many NGOs are unable to provide the services to
poor and marginalised people.
The South African Council for Social Service Profession has even
acknowledged this problem. The registrar and CEO, Iveda Smith, noted
that one of the reasons social workers migrate from NGOs to Government
is the better salaries offered by government departments.
The current economic climate exacerbates the situation as corporates
are cutting back on their CSI funding. Businesses struggling to remain
solvent during these trying times are requesting bailouts. This is not
a step the NGO sector is taking, but instead it is asking Government
for Equal Pay for Equal Work!
- a labour rights principle. The current unfair system is even against
the NPO Act, which has as one of its aims “to provide for an
environment in which non-profit organisations can flourish”.
Members of the National Welfare Forum have decided to take a stand against this unfair labour practice and are calling for Equal Pay for Equal Work!
Members in all provinces are organising a march on government to demand
that the labour rights of social service workers are protected and
upheld.
The march is planned for Friday, 28 August 2009 and members will demand
that government immediately address the situation and ensure all social
workers get equal pay for equal work.
To join the march or support the campaign email:
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Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Issued by: The National Welfare Forum www.forum.org.za
You can read more about the crisis in the Eastern Cape here: NGOs fight to hang on to good staff
For more information:
Jackie Loffell – Gauteng Coordinator – 011 334 6638
Rajesh Latchman – National Coordinator – 011 4031915
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