The Health Services Union has launched a historic test case against Catering Industries, seeking to confirm that Catering Industries workers are covered by the Aged Care Award, not the Hospitality Industry Award.

HSU members employed by Catering Industries working at Heritage Care Botany have been pushing for a new enterprise agreement that would recognise their work as aged care work. This would significantly improve the pay rates for these Catering Industries members, as the Aged Care Award has generally higher rates of pay and has significantly better penalty rates on for working on weekends. Catering Industries has refused and now we are taking our fight to the Federal Court.

At its core, this case is about recognising that everyone who works in aged care is part of the care of a resident.

These members’ actions have the potential to fundamentally change aged care.

If we win, contracting companies like Catering Industries won’t be able to employ workers less simply because their uniform is different.

If you work for a contract company – cleaning, catering or laundry – and want to know more about the case, email [E-Mail not displayed].

I want to acknowledge our incredible members at Catering Industries, Heritage Care Botany for leading this fight. This is what it means to be union – standing together to make a difference.

If you know someone who isn’t a union member, let them know this is what it means to be union. New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au or by calling 1300 478 679.