The country’s largest union, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), has applauded the order by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to lift the Award wages of low-paid aged care workers by a full 15 per cent, effective from 30 June this year.

ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler said this is a great win for aged care workers and a further step towards genuine recognition of their true value but noted that there is still more work to do. 

“From our perspective, the order to pay the full 15 per cent this year not only recognises the severe undervaluation of aged care workers under the current award system, but also acknowledges the rising cost of living pressures these workers continue to face, whilst receiving chronically low wages.”

Ms Butler also commended the FWC for extending the 15 per cent increase to other workers in aged care, including Head Chefs and Recreational and Lifestyle Officers.

The ANMF is now calling on the Federal Government to fund the full 15 per cent as ordered by the FWC to urgently improve the pay and conditions of workers in the undervalued aged care industry – one of its key election commitments. 

The ANMF, with over 320,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and carers in Australia.

ANMF media release authorised by Annie Butler, ANMF Federal Secretary. 1/365 Queen St, Melbourne.