CPA - The Guardian

Despite management initially offering no guaranteed increase in pay, intense bargaining secured a rise of between nine percent and fourteen percent over three years, along with a review of staff pay in 2010.

Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers’ Union (LHMU) members received incredible community support for their cause, which was an encouraging indication that the community is starting to really value the work they do.

For the campaign, supporters wore black at work and donned stickers saying “Aged Care: The Recession Proof Industry”.

LHMU delegates also met with state MPs and surveyed over 1,000 members of the public about conditions at Bethanie.

The campaign received television coverage in June, delegates staged a sit in at Bethanie headquarters when negotiations reached a stalemate.

It was immediately after this that Bethanie made its offer, which included double time on Christmas Day, rosters two weeks in advance, a preference for permanent over agency staff, increased bereavement leave and ongoing union and management meetings to resolve staff concerns.

“We worked hard for this result and didn’t back down when we were told ‘no’ by our employer. We won a good pay increase and resolved a number of other issues,” said Frank Hernandez, Bethanie delegate.

“It just goes to show how much difference unity and team work can make.”

The union said that the improved rates and conditions at Bethanie are vindication of the hard work and determination that aged care workers show in an industry where people work really hard and don’t get the rewards they deserve.

Next article – Despair and Defiance

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