The unions will push the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for the full 25% aged care worker pay rise and request that it be extended to all aged care workers, including admin staff, cleaners, maintenance staff, and other non-direct care staff.

They expect the Government will fund the full increase.

“We are determined to finish the case,” Lauren Hutchins, Aged Care and Disabilities Division Secretary with the Health Services Union (HSU), told The Weekly SOURCE.

She said aged care workers who are receiving the 15% pay rise will be “happy” on 1 July 2023, but for those workers who miss out, it will be a “challenging day”.

“We’re going to celebrate the 15%, but it’s clear that was a downpayment.”

Lauren said that the new Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement is also a significant change for the unions, because for aged care employers to access the Labour Agreement, they must enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant industry union(s).

“With this Government, it is a change in policy. It’s workers first, if you like, as opposed to providers. It’s making sure that if we are getting people there, we are doing the right thing by them.

“Providers are now far more engaged with unions about how we make that work and greater access to skilled migrants.”