Recently, HSU members at St Vincent’s Care Services Aged Care raised concerns about their classification and pay rate, identifying they were not being paid the correct base rate for their roles.

For more information about the correct rate for direct care workers, please see the newsletter sent to you on 26 January 2024.

Your Union met with management to discuss this issue and SVCS have now agreed to the following:

1. All direct care workers who are Certificate 3 qualified, or have the equivalent skills and knowledge, will be regraded to Grade 2 level 2, and paid a base rate of at least $30.11 per hour (the current Award minimum).
2. All new employees who are Certificate 3 qualified, or have the equivalent skills and knowledge, will be eligible for a base rate of at least $30.11 per hour (the current Award minimum). You can submit a statement of service from your previous employer(s) or a statutory declaration to prove your experience.
3. All employees that require adjustment will be back paid to the first full pay period on or after 30 June 2023.
4. SVCS will send a communication to staff explaining their intention to pay the correct rate and provide back pay.

If any HSU members are receiving the incorrect rate, we encourage you to raise the matter and contact your HSU Organiser if you need any assistance.

This is a great win and would not have been possible without HSU members brining the issue forward and then working together to get the matter resolved.

Tell all your workmates about this great win and the importance of being in the union. Together we are stronger.

New members can join the HSU at www.hsu.asn.au/join or by contacting 1300 478 679.