Unions and other stakeholders have submitted requests to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to pay the 15 percent pay rise for aged care workers in full and without delay.
In November, the FWC announced that it would offer a 15 percent pay rise paid in two stages: 10 percent from July 1 and five percent a year later. The offer received support from the federal government. Still, there was criticism for being phased in over 18 months and only applying to direct care workers.
The Australian Workers Union, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, and Health Services Union have all called that the 15 percent pay rise to be paid immediately. Both the Aged & Community Care Providers Association and employer advocacy organisation Australian Business Industrial have called for the increase to apply more broadly. They would like head chefs, cooks, and recreational activities officers to be included.
