Early childhood educators across the Hunter will walk off the job today for a better pay deal in what unions say will be the biggest ever strike for the industry.
7,000 workers across the country will stop work at lunchtime which will force the closure of dozens of childcare centres across the region.
The is will be the 4th strike in 18 months as the workers seek pay parity with infants and primary teachers in public schools
United Voice Assistant National Secretary Helen Gibbons says the federal government must commit to paying early childhood educators fairly.
"Early educators are skilled and qualified professionals. They educate and care for the very youngest members of our community. They are incredibly valued by the families that they work with an yet they're paid as little as $22 per hour," she said.
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| Helen Gibbons Picture: AAP |
