Stage 3 decision [2024] FWCFB 150
At a glance
- MA000018, MA000034, MA000100
What happened
The Health Services Union (HSU) and Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) applied to vary three modern awards: Aged Care Award 2010, Nurses Award 2020, and Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010. The applications sought increases in minimum wage rates for aged care sector employees. Previous stages of the proceedings involved assessing legal principles, determining interim pay increases (15% from June 30, 2023), and considering work value reasons. Stage 3 focuses on further wage adjustments based on work value for direct care employees, assessments for indirect care employees, and detailed review of classification structures within the awards.
What was decided
The Fair Work Commission Full Bench (President Hatcher, Vice President Asbury, Deputy President O’Neill) is proceeding with Stage 3 of the proceedings. This stage will assess further wage adjustments based on work value for direct care employees and indirect care employees. It also involves a detailed review of classification structures within the Aged Care Award, Nurses Award, and SCHADS Award, including consideration of aligning Registered Nurse classifications with the C10 Metals Framework.
What it means for employers
Employers in the aged care sector should be prepared for further potential wage adjustments based on work value assessments. They need to review their classification structures and consider how they align with industry standards and frameworks like the C10 Metals Framework, particularly regarding roles such as Personal Care Workers (PCWs) and Registered Nurses.
What it means for employees
Employees in the aged care sector, especially direct care employees, may be eligible for further wage adjustments. It's important to understand how their role is classified and whether it aligns with industry standards or frameworks used to determine pay rates.
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