Social service workers demand Equal Pay for Equal Work!

Press Release

13 July 2009

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: myvoice@forum.org.za
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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

http://www.forum.org.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=690&It...

For more information:

1.    Jackie Loffell – Gauteng Coordinator – 011 334 6638
2.    Rajesh Latchman – National Coordinator – 011 4031915