As you know, HACSU started the work value claim seeking a 25% increase for aged care and home care workers in 2020. Last Friday, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) handed down an interim decision to increase the Award rates for aged care and homecare employees who provide direct care to residents and clients. This includes home care employees, ECAs and nurses.
 
This is a huge win for those who work in the sector. The increase in wages will be supported by the Federal Government.
 
In the interim decision, the FWC said that it will give a pay adjustment to the Award of a quantum that exceeds the 15%. The whole case continues into two more phases, and the next phase will determine how and when this 15% increase will apply.
 
This proves the value of being a union member. Without good membership numbers, unions can’t win these types of cases.
 
What does this mean for you?

• All direct care workers will get this increase. We don’t know when just yet, but that decision is likely to come in 2-3 months
• If you are on an EBA, the decision will likely give you a pay rise because most EBAs sit no more than 5% above the Award rates
• This interim decision doesn’t apply to admin/general/kitchen/catering/cleaning staff, but we’ll continue to fight for the 25% rise to expand to all workers in the sector as our case moves forward

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