Carers await fair pay case decision

by Liam Pack, 10 May 2011

The Australian Service Union (ASU) along with four other unions, have wrapped up their submissions to Fair Work Australia regarding pay equity and are now awaiting a decision.

The hearings were for carers in the social, community and disability sectors.

ASU branch secretary, Pat Branson sayss if the case is won it will result in a pay increase of 17 to 37 percent for Western Australia (WA) carers.

“The pay rise will be funded by the government and hopefully provide a huge boost to carer retention in WA,” she said.

The case relies on provisions under the Fair Work Act and is the first case to run under the new industrial relations laws.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry claimed the pay rise will cost Australia eight billion dollars annually, creating less jobs and leading to “uneatable leap frogging”.

Ms Branson hit back at the claims.

“They’re probably right,” she said.

“However it just proves that carers have been underpaid for so long.

“What they do not say is who is going to provide these services if we don’t,” Ms Branson said.

Under the Western Australia Minimum Conditions Act 1993, full time carers can be placed on a minimum of $15.45 per hour and are not entitled to overtime.

Perth aged carer, Emma Depane, was shocked to hear how low some carers are getting paid in WA.

“Right now I am on $17 an hour and feel lucky that I am on that much.

“If the hearing is successful the extra money will help carers combat Western Australia’s continued rise in cost of living,” she said.

The Australian Treasury Department highlighted the problem of a booming resource sector, leading to a two speed economy and contributing to Western Australia’s high cost of living.

“The government have to realise that not everyone in this state work on the mines,” Ms Depane said.

Ms Branson has no doubt that the union will win its case with Fair Work but continues to be frustrated by the lack of support shown by the state government.

“The government will only do something if they think it is electorally sexy, or if they are forced to do it,” she said.

“Our state government seems to think there are wonderful women who will do this for little money.

“However, being kind doesn’t pay your mortgage,” she said.

FWA will announce the case findings and their decision on June 30 this year.