Five weeks ago, Garden Village wrote to the HSU Bargaining Committee to advise they had heard of the action HSU members were planning outside the facility. In response to this action, management told us they had a “hypothetical” wage offer they were preparing and shared this offer with the HSU.

What they were offering as of 23 March 2023:

·       3% for direct care staff (employees who were covered by the 15% increase on Award wages)

·       6% for non-direct staff (employees who are not currently covered by the 15% increase on Award wages)

They told us they needed time to continue their modelling to "get to a sustainable and fair offer for all Garden Village employees". A final offer was supposed to be provided by 6 April 2023. Management delayed this.

Your HSU Bargaining Committee have finally received their formal wage offer. Here’s what management are now offering:

·       2.5% for direct care staff (employees who were covered by the 15% increase on Award wages)

·       4% for non-direct care staff (employees who are not currently covered by the 15% increase on Award wages)

To put this into perspective, nationally real wages fell by 3.5 per cent over the past year as inflation outstripped wages growth.

Wages at Garden Village are going backwards fast. If this is what Garden Village think is "sustainable" for Aged Care workers, they need to think again. Not to mention, Garden Village do not currently have a plan for wages in the following years of the agreement.

What's next? We want to hear from you. What do you think of Garden Village's wage offer? Have your say and fill out our 2-minute survey here.

Your Organiser Karen Wiles will be on site to discuss this with HSU members on Tuesday 9th May. You can contact her on [E-Mail not displayed] or the HSU Bargaining Officer on [E-Mail not displayed]

Do you know someone who isn’t an HSU member? Encourage them to join our Union today and have a say at work. We are always stronger when we stand together. 

New members can join at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.