Here’s what’s going on: 
- the federal government is offering funding so services can give a temporary 15% above-award wage increase to eligible KCFC staff (over 2 years). 
- ⁠but here’s the catch, to get that funding, providers have to agree to a limit on fee increases  (no more than 4.2%) and Knox Council doesn’t want to apply for it because they want to keep the ability to raise fees more than that.
- ⁠getting this funding is also a concrete way to address the wage gaps in a female dominated sector. 

The councils refusal to apply for this funding hurts both educators and families!

This payment was introduced to recognise and retain the dedicated professionals who nurture and educate our children every day. Educators in council-run centres deserve the same recognition and financial support as those in private and community centres.Now, the families of the children in care with these dedicated Educators are asking Knox City Council to PLEASE EXPLAIN why they are refusing to apply for this Federal initiative. 

The Educators who this affects are limited by their contracts and are unable to speak about this issue or advocate for themselves. So, the Parents are stepping up and advocating for them! 

Please sign (and share!) our petition to show your support. 
** Please note: We are not seeking financial support for this petition, simply to gain signatures and present to council a united front.