Dear Member,

Southern Cross Care has been forced to rectify significant underpayments to some aged care workers after HSU members discovered the company was paying the incorrect rate and took action!

Aged care workers at Southern Cross Care had expected their hourly pay to rise to $30.11 on 1 July, following the interim decision in the HSU’s historic Aged Care Work Value Case.

Instead, many members discovered they had been incorrectly classified and were being underpaid. Southern Cross Care had incorrectly classified the CSE 2.1 role - paying $29.76 instead of the correct $30.11 rate that has been outlined in the age care modern award ACE4 classification.

HSU members demanded an explanation in August, calling on Southern Cross Care to amend the error. Last week, after months of written correspondence and two meetings, SCC wrote to the HSU agreeing to pay the correct rate, with back pay.

What’s next?

Southern Cross Care are undertaking a process to identify which CSE 2.1 staff either have a Cert III qualification or equivalent experience.

If you have any questions, contact the union office.

These sorts of wins are only possible when workers come together like they did at Southern Cross Care and grow the union in their workplace.

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.