Frustrated childcare workers who say they are overworked and underpaid are calling for an immediate 25 percent wage rise to help fix problems of high turnover in the industry.
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 percent 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….