Aged Care Updates – Statewide

Fair Work Commission award 15% pay increase to Nurses, Extended Care Assistants (ECAs) and Home Carers

The recent Aged Care campaign run by the ANMF has resulted in a significant pay increase for aged care nurses and care workers. The Fair Work Commission has announced a 15% increase to the Award rate (Nurses Award and also the Aged Care Award (which covers care staff). The Award rate is the minimum an employee can be paid. The Federal Government has agreed to fund the increase. Look out for further announcements about when the increase will be implemented. If you are on an Enterprise Agreement (EA) and your rates of pay are higher than the Award Rate, then your pay may not be impacted by this decision.

Aged Care Registered Nurse Retention Payments

The ANMF released a newsflash on Tuesday 1 November 2022 with detail of these payments. Unfortunately, they apply only to Registered Nurses (RNs), and are required to be requested by your facility manager, in the same way the recent COVID-19 payments were. They are payable to RNs who have worked for the same aged care employer between 31 October 2021 and 31 October 2022, but also for a 6-month period a half payment is due. In addition, there is an extra payment to those RNs in leadership roles, in rural areas, and with Post Graduate qualifications. Click here for further details. Also, be sure to get your manager to apply for the funds as directed in the Departments’ information page.

Changes to Leadership at Southern Cross Care Tasmania (SCCT)

The ANMF still encourage members to feedback issues related to absence or instability of leadership across SCCT sites. Use internal SCCT reporting systems, and escalate to next level management if you can, to highlight the impact on your workload and morale. Notify the ANMF if you are unable to get a response from your internal systems, and managers.

Southern Tasmanian Roadshow

The ANMF will be visiting many aged care sites and private facilities in the South this week with major prize draws, competitions, chocolates, morning and afternoon teas, plus more. Look out for a visit at your site. We look forward to seeing lots of our members.

Updates correct as at 9 November 2022.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary

ASSISTANCE & SUPPORT

Member Support Team: The ANMF Tasmanian Branch is 8000 plus members strong! Supporting nurses, midwives, and care workers as the only union in Tasmania employing nurses and care workers to represent members. This is why our Organisers and Member Support Team are uniquely positioned to understand your experiences, represent you in your workplace, and offer industrial advice that’s relevant to you. Please contact our Member Support Team if you need workplace support, would like to discuss any matters or raise a concern. Alternatively, you can send an email outlining your concerns to our team - membersupport@anmftas.org.au. Email is the preferred and fastest way of contacting the team, however if your matter is urgent, please phone (03) 6223 6777 or 1800 001 241 if you are outside of Hobart.

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