The first equal pay test case under new workplace laws could deliver higher pay rates for more than 250,000 workers in the community sector, the nation's sex discrimination commissioner says.
The Australian Services Union will launch the case, targeting lower pay rates in the female-dominated community sector, with Fair Work Australia on Thursday.
The union argues that the lower wages should be brought into line with pay rates in male-dominated industries.
Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick says community sector workers are vastly undervalued.
"The work of those in the social and community sector touches the lives of all of us and is vital to the wellbeing of our country," she said in a statement.
"It also requires great skill and needs to be appropriately paid."
Ms Broderick said a positive outcome would be a triumph for workers, noting that it would also have important implications.
The case is being backed by 150 representatives from business, unions and government that make up the Equal Pay Alliance and federal Workplace Relations Minister Julia Gillard.
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