Everything that workers have ever won has been hard fought. That truism was once again underlined by the recent decision by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to grant aged care workers a 15 per cent interim pay rise which was awarded to parts of the aged care workforce.

Despite 10 years of indifference and neglect from Liberal governments, union members in aged care have carried on tirelessly campaigning for decent wages and secure jobs in their sector, driven by their commitment to each other and those they care for.

On the Job spoke with several key union officials involved in the campaign.

"This decision is significant. Whilst our claim was for 25 per cent, 15 per cent as the first interim decision is a wonderful first step and is going to make such a difference for many people," said Annie Butler, ANMF Federal Secretary.

“Direct care work is critically important, but it has to be supported by all those other ancillary workers and they won’t be attracted there without decent wage increases.”

“One of the things that was really critical in this interim decision was the recognition from FWC President Ross, and the Commission about the really critical impact that occupational gender segregation is having through the undervaluing of feminised industries and what’s seen as traditionally women’s work,” Butler said.

“So, we think that the decision is great, because of the pay increase in the first step.”

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