The Federal Government promises to pick up the bill for any potential pay rise for aged care workers in a submission to the Fair Work Commission.
The Federal Government has promised to pick up the bill for any potential pay rise for aged care workers in a submission to the Fair Work Commission .It says existing rates do not reflect the modern skills and demands of the roleThe independent wages umpire is considering a case brought forward by the unions, calling for a 25-per-cent pay increase for 200,000 residential and home care workers.
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke said the COVID pandemic had exacerbated pressures on the workforce and underlined the case for a pay increase."Our government is prioritising these workers as we fight to get wages moving again."The Health Services Union welcomed the government's submission, arguing the ageing population and changing expectations had made the roles more complex.
"Older Australians will not get the care they deserve until we can attract and retain a workforce to look after them," he said."We are hopeful the Fair Work Commission will make a decision that recognises the work value of aged care.Health Services Union president Gerard Hayes says Australia has allowed aged care workers to be exploited and overworked for too long.
The commitment was criticised by then-prime minister Scott Morrison, who questioned how Labor would fund any increase, instead opting to give aged care workers across the country two standalone payments of $400.Unions and industry groups have argued pay increases are needed to attract and retain skilled workers for the sector."We need more staff in aged care and a pay rise is the start of ensuring workers are rewarded for the crucial roles they play," she said.
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