We’ve continued to push our aged care work value case in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) this month. HACSU and our national office the Health Services Union (HSU) initiated the aged care work value case and have already achieved a 15% wage increase for direct care workers. From the outset, however, our goal is to achieve a minimum of 25% wage increase for all aged care workers.
While the 15% increase for direct care workers that came into place in July this year was a great first step, it was only an interim decision. We have now just concluded weeks of hearings where we fought not only for the 25% increase for everyone but also for an improved classification structure recognising your years of service and increased skills and knowledge.
It’s always difficult if not impossible to predict the FWC’s decision, but our Senior National Industrial Officer believes we’re having responses in several areas. However, we’re still facing many challenges as the only union that put forward a revised classification structure – particularly some of our proposals were opposed by another union.
Here is a summary of things that have come out of the hearings:
• We expect a decision on future wage increases between mid-February and April 2024
• The federal government has committed to funding the decisions of the FWC, but didn't support our revised classification structure at this stage
• The FWC showed major interest in the disparity between aged care and disability pay rates
• Despite our compelling arguments, other parties, including employers, still haven’t supported equal wage increases for non-direct care staff
While we wait for the FWC’s decision, it’s crucial to continue to hold our elected politicians accountable and make sure they will commit not only to funding the work value case decisions but also to funding better wages and conditions beyond the minimum award provisions. We know public sector pay rates are higher because governments invest in wages, and aged care shouldn't be different just because governments have chosen not to provide direct care services.
To all our dedicated aged care members, your resilience and support have brought us this far. Stay connected and stand strong. Let’s keep fighting for the fair and just conditions you deserve.