The HSU is disappointed by the Fair Work Commission’s decision today to apply a very modest 1.75% increase the minimum wage.
While we welcome the fact that the Commission did not adopt employer calls to freeze wages, this decision fails to recognise the sacrifices made by the essential health and community service workers who have kept us safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quotes attributable to Lloyd Williams, National Secretary, Health Services Union
“Our members include some of Australia’s lowest paid workers – age care workers, disability support workers, hospital cleaners and kitchen staff. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic these largely Award-reliant workers have turned up to work to care for us and to keep us safe. They have received applause and thanks from every Australian, from the Prime Minister down. But applause and thanks don’t pay the bills.”
“These workers deserve better pay, the COVID-19 pandemic has made this clear.”
“The HSU is disappointed that the decision only increases the minimum wage by 1.75%, with the inflation rate currently sitting at 2.2% this means that the wages of low paid workers are not growing.”
“It’s a real blow to those workers who have been risking their own health and wellbeing to keep our community safe.”
HSU celebrates historic day for gender equality after Fair Work decision
The Health Services Union is today celebrating an historic decision, with the Fair Work Commission finding minimum award rates of pay for several health, care, and support sector occupations have been undervalued based on gender.
New study reveals multi-billion dollar economic benefit of implementing universal reproductive leave in Australia
Giving workers the equivalent of one day of leave a month to care for their reproductive needs would mitigate the economic costs of reproductive health conditions, which are estimated to cost the Australian economy more than $21 billion per year, and improve mental health and workforce retention, according to a new report.
Federal Budget 2025
HSU welcomes groundbreaking Medicare budget, but more needed for workers The Health Services Union (HSU) has strongly endorsed the Albanese government’s record investments to strengthen Medicare