Classroom assistants in Queensland Catholic schools are paid between 10-25% less than staff in New South Wales doing the same work.
Assistants over the border paid thousands more
IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the stark wage deficit had been raised with employers during current – and previous – collective bargaining negotiations.
“Employers have known for a long time that they underpay school officers for the work they do,” he said.
“And comparing wages between Queensland and New South Wales classroom assistants shows that underpayment to startling effect.
“A Level 3, Step 1 classroom assistant working 25 hours per week on the Gold Coast is paid $8,999 less than a classroom assistant in Tweed Heads doing the same work.
“Classifications line up, position descriptions line up – there is a wage deficit that must be made up,” he said.
