Hundreds rallied in Maitland on Monday over proposed changes to the wages of workers with a disability.
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The Mai-Wel Group and other disability enterprises gathered in Turner Rest Park next to Maitland Police Station to show support for the jobs of supported employees, which they claim are under threat.
The Fair Work Commission is currently reviewing the way wages are paid for supported employees who work for disability enterprises such as Mai Wel.
Disability enterprises receive government funding to support people with disabilities. The level of funding depends on how much support the employee needs at work.
Employees are paid a pro rata wage rate. At Mai-Wel that rate is based on skills, competency and productivity.
But under a proposed model that has been supported by the Federal Government and some disability advocates, supported employees would be paid solely based on productivity.
“It creates reward for doing a job quickly, rather than being skilled in a job and continuing to learn,” Mai Wel general manager Anthony Rohr said. “For those basic jobs, wages would become significantly higher, and for a complex job it would have the reverse effect.
Mr Rohr said the proposed new model could push wages too high for disability enterprises to afford, meaning supported employees would be priced out of a job.
“When skills and competency are removed, the wages could rise to a level that was not viable and the jobs would disappear,” he said. “It’s creating a lot of uncertainty.”
Mr Rohr said the purpose of the rally was to show that supported employees and their families loved their jobs and had chosen to be there.
“People hear they get $4 an hour and they say ‘that’s wrong’,” he said. “But people choose this employment and want to be here.
“They gain training, skills, socialisation and friendship.”
Kelly Olden, who’s son is a supported employee, spoke at the rally and said her son could not gain mainstream employment. She said before he had a job he had no self esteem or independence.
“My son’s life has improved out of sight,” she said. “He’s much more happy and confident. These people deserve to be employed.”