It’s D-day for aged care workers as Fair Work prepares to announce pay rise decision
Aged care staff will learn whether they are to receive a major pay rise, with the Fair Work Commission set to hand down a landmark decision.
Medical staff are seen preparing to transport people from the St Basil’s Home for the Aged Care in Fawkner which has had an outbreak of COVID-19, Melbourne. Aged care facilitates in Melbourne are being affected by the virus in multiple facilities. (Photo: AAP Image/David Crosling)
More than 100,000 indirect employees in the sector are expected to finally enjoy a wage boost after the Health Services Union lodged an application for a 25 per cent across-the-board increase in 2020.
The commission awarded an interim 15 per cent pay rise to direct care employees at the end of 2022 and since then, the union has continued to push for a comprehensive increase for all staff.
HSU National President Gerard Hayes says aged care workers are the under-valued, under-appreciated lifeblood of the care economy.
“The women of this sector have been overlooked for too long,” he said.
“Aged care workers perform physically and emotionally demanding work with our community’s most vulnerable members.
“All they have asked for is a proper wage that recognises their skills and dedication.”
The Fair Work Commission will hand down its decision on Friday afternoon.
