New Ruling Causes 28 Percent Increase in Wages for Aged Care Workers
In a landmark decision, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has ruled in favor of raising the wages of aged care workers by up to 28 percent. This ruling comes as a result of an application made by the Health Services Union (HSU) to increase wages by an average of 25 percent across the board. The FWC found that the historically undervalued work of aged-care employees, primarily due to gender bias, warranted a significant increase in wages.
The ruling specifically targets personal carers and nursing support workers, with pay rates set to increase by 18 to 28.5 percent, depending on the qualifications of the workers. Additionally, home care workers under the SCHADS Award will see a boost of between 15 and 26 percent. This ruling is expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of aged care workers across Australia.
The FWC’s decision was met with positive responses from various parties involved. Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler, Employment Minister Tony Burke, and Aged Care and Sports Minister Anika Wells jointly issued a statement welcoming the ruling. They acknowledged the need for higher wages to deliver a higher standard of care for older Australians and committed to providing funding to support the increases mandated by the FWC.
The HSU, the union that filed the application, praised the ruling as a historic improvement for aged-care employees. HSU national president Gerard Hayes emphasized the significance of this decision in ensuring dignity for aged-care workers and providing them with fair wages that prevent them from falling into poverty. He expressed hope that this ruling would enable older individuals to receive care with dignity, free from being treated as commodities.
However, aged-care employers, such as Catholic Health Australia, have called on the government to ensure sufficient funding to cover the cost of these wage increases. Director Laura Haylen stressed the importance of supporting dedicated and hardworking staff in the face of rising cost-of-living pressures. She urged the federal government to fulfill its commitment to fully fund these wage rises, including any necessary leave entitlements, without diverting funds from quality care and support.
The ruling will be finalized after the FWC receives submissions from interested parties, and the phasing-in schedule is yet to be decided. Nonetheless, the decision marks a significant step towards recognizing the value of aged-care workers and providing them with fair compensation for their vital contributions to society.
This ruling not only addresses the gender bias that has historically undervalued the work of aged-care employees but also acknowledges the importance of ensuring that older individuals receive care with dignity. By increasing wages and providing better financial support for aged-care workers, the FWC’s decision aims to improve the quality of care provided to older Australians and promote a more equitable and fair society.
As the ruling progresses, it is crucial for the government to uphold its commitment to fully funding these wage increases. Adequate support and resources must be allocated to ensure that aged-care workers receive their deserved pay without compromising the quality of care provided. By working together, both employers and the government can create an environment where aged-care workers are fairly compensated for their invaluable contributions, ultimately leading to better care outcomes for older Australians.
