Childcare in crisis

Childcare workers in Victoria are suffering record levels of stress-
related illnesses and parents cannot afford the cost of childcare, 
according to two state-wide surveys. "Childcare workers are carrying the 
burden of a lack of resources and are fed up with the community and 
politicians failing to recognise the skills required to look after young 
children", says Moreen Lyons, Australian Services Union (ASU) childcare 
officer who conducted the surveys.

"The ASU is deeply concerned at the high levels of work-related injury 
reported by childcare workers", said Ms Lyons.

"The level of physical, mental and emotional strain experienced by 
childcare workers is unacceptable."

Fifty-six percent reported back injuries; 77 percent said they suffered 
work-related anxiety; 62 percent reported muscle strain and 85 percent said 
they had work-related headaches.

Speaking at the launch of the surveys last week Dr Helen Sutcliffe, 
Occupational Physician, Victorian Workers' Health Centre at Trades Hall, 
confirmed that the childcare sector was a "time bomb waiting to explode".

Dr Sutcliffe said such injuries are preventable and that the situation was 
intolerable. She said that unless something is done, a valuable part of the 
community will be devastated.

The survey conducted in metropolitan and regional areas, found that 
childcare workers were prepared to take industrial action to improve their 
deteriorating working conditions. Eighty percent said they were prepared to 
go on strike and 70 percent said they would impose work bans.

ACTU President Sharan Burrow told the survey launch at Coventry Street 
Child Care Centre, South Melbourne, that childcare was shaping up to be an 
election issue given the number of families trying to balance work and 
family lives.

The Federal Government has cut childcare funding by $850 million since 
1997.

The occupational health problems together with the funding crisis in 
childcare was "absolutely shameful", said Ms Burrow.

"It is an Australian story that has to be told. John Howard stands 
condemned on childcare and the politicians who address the resource issue 
will win votes at the next election."

The ASU surveys also found:

* 68 percent of respondents worked unpaid overtime;
* 89 percent believe their pay does not adequately reflect their skill and 
expertise;
* 100 percent said improved wages and conditions would make childcare a 
more attractive career option;
* the number of low-income families accessing childcare has dropped seven 
percent since 1998;
* 40 percent of centres said parents were giving up childcare places 
because of the cost.

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For further information, call Moreen Lyons, ASU childcare organiser (03) 
9342 3409 mobile 0418 565 397 or Dr Helen Sutcliffe, Occupational 
Physician, Victorian Workers' Health Centre,(03) 9662 4820/ 0419 588 124.

Note: The reports Child Care workers in local government occupational 
health and safety report, 2000 and Victorian Local Government Child 
Care Survey, December 2000 are published by the ASU, 116-124 Queensbury 
Street, Carlton, 3053. The ASU represents the majority of childcare workers 
in local government in Victoria.