Aged care pay claim watched with interest
National Seniors Australia (NSA) says they will watch with interest the low paid bargaining claim for aged care workers launched by unions this week.
The first under the new Fair Work Act, the claim was initiated by the Liquor Hospitality Miscellaneous Union (LHMU) and the Australian Workers Union (AWU).
NSA chief executive, Michael O’Neill, said that, if upheld, the claim would address some of the current staffing inequities in the aged care sector.
“Currently, the sector is crying out for wage increases, better working conditions, greater training opportunities and a more positive workplace culture,” said Mr O’Neill.
“A good example of the existing inequity is that nurses working in aged care are paid $300 a week less than their counterparts in the health sector,” he said.
“Nothing impacts more on the standard of care our most vulnerable older Australians receive in nursing homes than staffing.
“Yet, in the next decade, while consumer demand is set to jump by almost 60%, staff numbers are projected to increase by only 14%.
“National Seniors welcomes this union move and will watch it with interest. A win for aged care workers will give all Australians with loved ones in the system greater peace of mind,” said Mr O’Neill.
Staffing is only one area within aged care requiring reform. Research conducted for NSA by Access Economics earlier this year revealed a sector also plagued by bed shortages and financial pressures, unable to meet the future demands of an ageing population.
