Workers in the aged care sector secure a wage increase of up to 28.5 percent.

After years of pursuit, aged care workers have succeeded in their Fair Work case, securing a wage hike of up to 28.5 percent across the entire sector.

In November 2020, the Health Services Union (HSU) initiated a work value case with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) regarding aged care, advocating for a 25 percent wage increase for all staff members.

The union contended that the work in aged care had been undervalued, citing its increasing complexity and the predominance of female workers in the sector.

Although the commission granted an interim wage increase of 15 percent to direct care workers in 2022, the union persisted in its argument that wages remained insufficient and failed to address the critical shortage of aged care personnel.

As a result of the recent decision, the hourly wages for direct care workers will rise by 18 to 28 percent, incorporating the previous 15 percent increase, thereby significantly impacting their pay.

Support service employees, including those in laundry, cleaning, and food service roles, are poised to witness a 6.8 percent surge in employment due to enhanced wages and reclassification.

“Over the past decade, the aged care sector has relied on the dedication and sacrifice of a significantly underpaid and precariously employed workforce. Today, these workers have achieved fair compensation for their efforts.”