Dear Member,

Members at St Luke Aged Care, Lulworth House, are standing up against underpayment after discovering some direct care workers have been paid the incorrect base rate since April this year!

If a Direct Care worker has Cert III qualification and has used the skills and knowledge gained from that qualification in the performance of their work between July 2023 and June 2024, they are eligible for a base rate of $30.11 for that period.

This follows the Fair Work Commission’s interim 15 per cent increase as part of HSU members’ historic Work Value Case win and the 5.75 per cent national award minimum wage increase from 1 July 2023.

Since raising this issue the national award minimum rate has again increased as of the 1 July 2024, and is now $31.24.

After HSU members at Lulworth House came together and raised the underpayment issue, management have now confirmed it will be “going through all the impacted staff” and “calculate the differences” shortly.

While management have advised that they will be conducting an audit, it is important that members check their payslips for that period to make sure they have been paid correctly.

It is expected that once complete, impacted employees will be advised in writing on the amount they are owed and when it will be paid.

If you think that you are not getting the correct wages, contact your local delegate or HSU organiser Hyojung [E-Mail not displayed] now. 

Encourage your workmates to join the HSU. Together you have strength in your workplace. New members can join online at www.hsu.asn.au/join