It pays to be united

Betty Spears was a hero of the labour movement who made life better for working people and especially women through her relentless advocacy for equal pay, Opposition Leader John Robertson said.

"On behalf of the NSW Labor Opposition, I wish to pay tribute to Betty Spears and convey my deepest condolences to her family and friends," Mr Robertson said.

"Betty's passing, aged 85, is a sad loss for the labour movement – but also an apt occasion to celebrate a truly remarkable life.

"Betty Spears was an icon and a trailblazer. Her contribution spanned the decades – including leadership roles within the Federated Clerks' Union (now the United Services Union) and the Labor Council of NSW (now Unions NSW) to her relentless advocacy for equal opportunity and equal pay.

"In 1972, NSW ran the first successful equal pay case following a landmark federal decision. As head of the Labor Council's Equal Pay Committee, Betty Spears led the political and legal campaign that made it happen.

"When the women of NSW needed a fighter, Betty Spears never let them down.

"In later life, Betty's zest never wavered – and the establishment of the Betty Spears Child Care Centre at Tempe is a fitting tribute to her advocacy for workers and their families."

Sophie Cotsis, Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations and Shadow Minister for the Status of Women said:
"I am humbled to stand on the shoulders of women like Betty Spears who – on issues such as equal pay – took on an institutionalised male culture and won.

"Her compassion was extraordinary, her spirit indomitable and her legacy will live on."

Betty's funeral will be held at 10.30am,  Monday 30th January 2012,  Mary Immaculate Church,  Victoria Street, Waverley.