Calls for clarity on wage increases for 'non-direct' care workers

Over a month on from the Federal Budget’s welcomed announcement of an $11.3bn commitment to fund a 15% pay raise for aged care workers, those not in ‘direct care’ roles remain in limbo, according to aged care provider Whiddon.

Stage 3 of the Fair Work Commission Tribunal is set to reassess these excluded employees currently on hold, with mention of this hearing to be delayed for as long as 12 months. Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis suggested the timing of the Stage 3 Work Value Hearing must be expedited.

“Whilst the 15% increase has been a great first step, there is still 26% of our workforce at Whiddon that remain in limbo. This is a considerable proportion of our personnel that are awaiting the findings of the Stage 3 Work Value Hearing with no current timeline for answers,” Mamarelis said.

“We believe there is a duty to non-direct care employees to set an expedited timing of the Stage 3 Work Value Hearing to provide clarity to all who play a vital role within the aged care workforce.”

The government’s 2020 Aged Care Workforce Census highlighted 52,801 staff working in ancillary roles such as cooks, cleaners and laundry assistants. This comprised just under 20% of the total care workforce excluded from the 15% pay rise, the statement said.

“Every employee working in aged care is crucial to the delivery of quality, holistic care. By excluding certain roles in care and delaying clarity around wage increases for ancillary care roles, the government is sending a message those not in direct care roles are not valued for their work,” Mamarelis said.

Vanessa Baker, from Whiddon’s Catering Team at Kelso, said she felt “the increase would help all our team members feel valued as we are all here for the residents”.

Image caption: Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis.