The Health Services Union (HSU) is today calling for the Federal Government to deliver real change in the broken aged care sector as part of its annual Thank You for Working in Aged Care Day.
All aged care workers—carers, nurses, allied health professionals and assistants, cleaners, catering, and admin staff—are fed up with being treated as expendable and want more than symbolism and empty gestures.
This global pandemic has highlighted the chronic undervaluing and under resourcing of the aged care workforce, and focused national attention on the inadequacies of the system.
It is time for the Federal Government to deliver real change.
All quotes are attributable to Health Services Union National Secretary, Lloyd Williams
“Today and every day we say thank you to all aged care workers. But all the praise in the world doesn’t pay the bills and the systemic issues in aged care have been around a lot longer than this virus. Real thanks for aged care workers must be delivered in the form of real change from the Federal Government.”
“Real thanks means an immediate and significant pay rise for all employees working in the aged care sector, and a commitment to substantial increases to pay and conditions over the longer term.”
“Real thanks means a safe workplace, which includes two weeks of paid pandemic leave for all aged care workers – no matter how they are employed, along with proper infection control training and PPE.”
“For too long the aged care sector has only offered low hours, short shifts, and insecure work. Real thanks means secure employment as a default, supported by funding arrangements that limit the use of exploitative arrangements such as ‘zero hours contracts’.”
“Aged care workers are skilled professionals, but all too often they bear all the costs of developing their skills. The HSU demands funded ongoing training and professional development for all aged care professionals, which links to clear career progression and supports the retention of a skilled workforce.”
“Aged care facilities are understaffed and workers are overworked and burnt out. At the end of the day it’s older Australians who suffer the consequences. Real thanks means aged care services have the right number of staff, with the right skills mix to deliver holistic care for older Australians.”
“A properly and transparently funded aged care sector will lead to better pay and conditions for all aged care workers – only this will ensure the high-quality care that all older Australians deserve.”
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