The Health Services Union (HSU) has written to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) about Stage 3 of the Work Value Case, arguing that indirect care workers should receive the full 25% pay increase the unions are seeking for aged care workers, and direct care workers should receive the additional 10% not delivered during Stage 1.

In November last year, the FWC recommended an ‘interim’ 15% pay rise for direct care workers but left out indirect care workers.

A pay rise for indirect care workers and the remaining 10% increase being sought for direct care workers are to be considered in Stage 3 of the FWC’s Work Value case, which is due to be heard in December.

In its 200-page submission, the HSU argues the FWC has already determined the work of aged care workers is undervalued, listing several reasons, including the acuity of residents and clients in aged care has increased, there are more residents and clients living with dementia, and there is greater regulation in the sector.

“These changes... have affected and continue to affect the work value of indirect care workers,” the HSU writes.

The union, which represents aged care workers, says indirect care workers should not be distinguished from their direct-care colleagues.

Last week we reported that the ANMF is requesting the FWC increase the pay for RNs working in aged care in line with the Award for metal workers – the equivalent of a 35% boost.

You can read the HSU’s submission here.

The SOURCE: It’s predicted the aged care sector will need more than one million workers by 2050, compared with about 300,000 today. To get there, jobs in aged care need to be more appealing, with higher pay, and more desirable terms and conditions.