United Workers Union, the early childhood union, says that hygiene and safety must be improved and increased in centres – or they should be shut down to protect young children and educators.

The union has released a 6 point plan to provide clear and strong rules for early childhood education and care (ECEC) and urges the National Cabinet to adopt this plan when they meet tonight.

United Voice, the early childhood union, calls on the Government to reject the recommendations outlined in the Effect of red tape on child care report, tabled yesterday by the Select Committee on Red Tape.

Centres will start to close from lunchtime on Wednesday so educators can attend political rallies around Australia, to send a message to the government that time is up on the sector’s gender pay gap. It is unprecedented action and the fourth walk off in 18 months – all spurred by the sector’s wage crisis.

Join your local Big Steps Walk Off on September 5 for equal pay!

On 23 August, the Big Steps 10 Year Policy Vision was launched at Parliament House.