Dear Member,

Late on Friday afternoon, the federal government filed submissions in the Fair Work Commission regarding the funding and operative date of HSU members’ historic Work Value Case outcome. 

As you know, the Fair Work Commission recently awarded aged care workers pay increases of between 3 per cent and 28 per cent to recognise the undervaluation of your work. This significant win was the result of years of campaigning by HSU members, as part of our Aged Care Work Value Case. 

 Despite agreeing to fully fund the outcome of the case, the federal government is now seeking to delay the implementation of this historic decision.

 The government is proposing that your hard-won pay increases be implemented:

 For indirect care workers – In full from 1 January 2025;

• For direct care workers – 50 per cent of the Stage 3 wage increase from 1 January 2025, and the remaining 50 per cent of the Stage 3 wage increase from 1 January 2026. 

Such a delay is completely unacceptable and would mean that workers must wait years before their pay is increased to the level determined by the Fair Work Commission.

 TAKE ACTION NOW

We are calling on all aged care workers to stand together and demand that these pay increases be implemented as soon as possible and without delay. Take action today! 

1. Have your say now!– Every aged care worker should have your say about why the Fair Work Commission and the federal government must implement these pay increases as soon as possible. 
   
   
2. Attend a workplace meeting and send a message!– HSU members will be holding workplace meetings over the coming weeks to discuss the impact of the proposal. Join together with your colleagues and send a direct message to the government that this is unacceptable.
   
   
3. Join the HSU!– All aged care workers should be united in calling for change. If your colleagues are not yet HSU members, now is the time for them to join the union and be part of our campaign to change aged care! New members can join here today.

 NEXT STEPS

The HSU has been asked to make submissions in response to the government’s proposal by 10 May 2024. We will be calling on the Fair Work Commission to implement these historic pay increases as soon as possible, so that workers are not forced to wait any longer for improved pay in the aged care sector.

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 or call 1300 478 679.