Aged care staff are poised to receive a wage rise of up to 28 per cent after the Fair Work Commission handed down a landmark decision for the sector. Source: SBS News.
More than 100,000 indirect employees in the sector will enjoy a wage boost after the Health Services Union (HSU) lodged an application for a 25 per cent across-the-board increase in 2020.
Personal carers will get an increase between 18 and 28 per cent, home care staff will get a rise of between 15 and 26 per cent and there will be a 6.8 per cent increase for those involved in support services under the commission’s decision, delivered on Friday.
The commission awarded an interim 15 per cent pay rise to direct care employees at the end of 2022, with the industrial umpire saying this was plainly justified by work-value reasons.
Since then, the union has continued to push for a comprehensive increase for all staff.
Since coming into office, the Albanese Government has backed pay rises for those on low and award wages, as well as funding increases for aged care staff.
The commission’s decision will be finalised after submissions from the interested parties, with the phasing-in schedule still to be decided.
Catholic Health Australia called on the Government to fully fund the rise expected to come from Friday’s decision.
“We strongly support the claim to raise the wages of dedicated, compassionate, and hardworking staff, especially as cost-of-living pressures mount,” director Laura Haylen said.
“The federal Government must deliver on its commitment to fully fund these wage rises as soon as possible, including any leave entitlements. We believe that we can work together to ensure staff are paid as quickly as possible without diverting existing funds from quality care and support.”
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Aged care workers will get pay rises of up to 28 per cent after landmark decision (AAP via SBS News)
