Union pushes for 9 per cent pay rise in female-dominated industries

A key union is pushing for a nine per cent pay rise for industries dominated by women, including early childhood educators and disability workers.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is calling for the pay bump in 'feminised' industries - those which are traditionally female-dominated - including childcare, education, healthcare, aged care and veterinary assistance.

Each has a current hourly rate of about $26 dollars, but the proposal would take it to $28.50 or an extra $90 a week.

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"As a society, we have devalued the work of women," ACTU secretary Sally McManus said.

"Being able to pay their own rent, being able to decide their own future, being able to eventually retire and not live in poverty, every single Australian deserves this,"

Jill Marett said her childcare centre had lost 12 staff in the last 12 months and she was close to the edge too.

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"The way the sector's going I can't afford to stay in it," she said.

However, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) said businesses could not afford such a big one-off wage hike and warned it would also impact inflation.

"The ACTU's proposal is completely divorced from reality," chief executive Andrew McKellar said.

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"Honestly, it would be dire for the Australian economy."

The annual wage review process is underway and if the Fair Work Commission agrees that a nine per cent increase is fair, then it would go into place from July 1.