Aged care workers should be able to expect a 15 per cent pay rise to be paid in full as soon as possible in line with the Fair Work Commission stage one decision in its work value case handed down last month.
Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) CEO Tom Symondson said it was important that aged care workers are rewarded in recognition of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommendation that wages increase to achieve aged care reform.
“We welcome the government’s decision to deliver on their election commitment to fully fund the pay rise and to include employee on costs like superannuation, worker’s compensation and payroll tax.
“However, we are concerned that the pay rise is to be split into two parts and that workers will have to wait until 1 July 2023 before the first increase and a year later to get the second.
“We are experiencing a workforce crisis now and we need to be able to pass on pay rises to our staff as soon as possible to recognise their incredible contribution and to give them the confidence to remain in our sector.
“We expect to see further stages of the FWC work value case expected early next year to address the work of kitchen, laundry, recreation activities and administrative staff who were not included in the initial decision to award a 15 per cent pay increase.”
Media contacts: Kate Hannon 0499 106 957 or Jane Garcia (Essential) 0455 111 593
