Landmark Fair Work Australia application seeks up to $10 per hour wage increase for aged care workers

On Monday, an application was lodged by the Liquor, Hospitality, Miscellaneous Union (LHMU) seeking substantial pay increases for aged care workers under the new low paid bargaining powers of the Fair Work Act. Negotiations will affect 300 employers including RSL Australia, Aegis, Domain Principal Group, Regis Group (Macquarie Bank) and the larger church organisations. The main aim of negotiations will be to achieve pay increases of $8 – $10 per hour. The application only covers residential aged care workers in five states and territories – Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and the ACT, the others are covered by the Health Services Union.