Federal Coalition Refuses to Back SACS Workers Pay Rise

The Coalition has refused to back the Gillard Government’s proposed pay increase for community sector workers, with senior Opposition frontbenchers criticising the Prime Minister for making ‘unfunded’ announcements.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced last week that the Government would back the ASU and commit $2 billion to fund wage increases over 6 years for more than 150,000 social and community sector workers.

Opposition workplace relations spokesman Eric Abetz told the Weekend Australian the pay claim would "change the landscape" in workplaces and may lead to other low-paid industries re-evaluating their wages. 

He said, "One would imagine these sorts of decisions would have a flow-on effects across our economy.”

Opposition Treasury spokesman Joe Hockey added himself to the list of Opposition frontbenchers opposed to the pay increase, attacking the Prime Minister for making announcements that are unfunded.

Hockey told the Seven Network, "At this juncture the Prime Minister should not be making announcements that are unfunded." 

Workplace Relations Minister Chris Evans said Mr Hockey's comments were "an insult to all working women".

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