The increases are interim increases. The FWC plans to hold future hearings to determine whether additional increases should be granted – bearing in mind the union claimants sought 25% work value increases for the above classifications as well as administrative employees and support aged care employees covered by the above Awards. In scheduling future hearings, the FWC has said that:
“…this does not conclude our consideration of the Unions’ claim for a 25 per cent increase for other employees, namely administrative and support aged care employees. Nor are we suggesting that the 15 per cent interim increase necessarily exhausts the extent of the increase justified by work value reasons in respect of direct care aged care employees. Whether any further increase is justified will be the subject of submissions in Stage 3 of these proceedings…”
“We also point out that in determining the quantum of the interim increase we have not taken into account all of the material before us…”
What happens next?
The FWC has relisted the Aged Care Work Value Case for 22 November 2022 at which time it will issue directions for Stage 2 of the proceedings. Stage 2 will consider further submissions that the Commonwealth Government and Joint Employers have asked to make concerning timing of implementing wage increases.
At the conclusion of Stage 2, the FWC has said it will move to Stage 3 of these proceedings. Stage 3 will consider further work value wage increases for all aged care award covered employees, including those employees that will not receive an interim increase as a result of the FWC’s interim decision.
We will publish further updates when they come to hand. Meanwhile, if you would like a copy of the FWC’s decision or need further information, please contact our Employment and Workplace Relations Team on (08) 9321 0522.
