The Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (ANMF) is a great advocate on behalf of their members – but they ignore the real issue.
As we report in today’s issue, the nurses’ union has requested the Fair Work Commission (FWC) raise the pay for Registered Nurses working in aged care in line with the Award for metal workers – the equivalent of a 35% boost.
Certainly, such a move would help to make the aged care sector more competitive against the healthcare sector in its recruitment of RNs – with shortages currently forecast at over 6,000.
But is it the best move for the workforce as a whole?
There are around 100,000 indirect care workers that are still waiting to hear if they will be awarded the 15% wage rise awarded to their direct care counterparts on 1 July this year.
Hearings have now been set down for December – but any decision may still be months away.
Several aged care CEOs have been vocal about the discontent that this inequity has caused among their care staff.
Surely the focus for the unions, peak bodies and Government should be on ensuring that these indirect workers – the administration, cleaning, laundry and maintenance staff who support thousands of older Australians every day – receive the recognition they deserve now?
The SOURCE: The nurse’s union needs to show its members that they are delivering ‘bang for their buck’ on their membership fees. The priority should be ensuring all aged care workers are on the same footing.
