Government must do better for Home Care workers – no care for the caretakers

Government must do better for Home Care workers – no care for the caretakers (PDF Version)

The PSA has received a strong response to the Home Care Employee Protection Survey.

On 6 May 2015, the Home Care Departmental Committee (DC) meets. At this meeting your delegates will consider the survey responses and discuss what the next steps in the campaign should be to ensure the best possible outcome for members.

The PSA remains opposed to the privatisation of Home Care but is resolute in fighting for a fair and reasonable transfer agreement for our members.

The PSA has been negotiating formally with the Government since 1 October 2014 on this issue.

The package currently on offer is not acceptable to members on a number of counts:

• There is no legally enforceable means of protecting existing wages and conditions
• The “transfer” payment is only a maximum 8 weeks – based on a sliding scale of years of service
• No redundancies are being offered
• Employees have no choice about transferring to a new employer.

The PSA has been advised that as the transfer of Home Care is not a “sale” it will not make a profit for the Government and therefore, large transfer packages cannot be offered to the employees.

This offer is in stark contrast to the deal offered in previous privatisations

These packages included redundancies, three year employment guarantees and transfer payments of 30 weeks.

Home Care workers are predominately women and their work has traditionally been underpaid and undervalued in comparison to male dominated industries. This blatant discrimination is being continued in the proposed transfer package from the State Government.

Claims by the Government that the privatisation is about improved and more flexible services are hollow. Genuine respect and valuing of the work of Home Care employees must be reflected in fair wages and conditions for our members.

The campaign against this privatisation continues

In November 2014, we presented a petition with over 25,000 signatures to State Parliament at a rally which placed the privatisation issue in the public eye. In the run up to the recent State election, PSA members actively lobbied sitting members and doorknocked to highlight this issue. There are now 50 elected members of the Legislative Council and Assembly who have personally signed a pledge to oppose privatisation and support the fight for fair wages and conditions and employment protections. This is a diverse and powerful group of advocates on our side in Macquarie Street.

The PSA will continue to oppose privatisation and push for a fair transfer package if it occurs. In addition financial members of the PSA will be supported on individual issues such as leave balances, pay and specific conditions.

Have you made the switch to protect your membership in the transfer?

Your union, the PSA, will be supporting all financial members through the negotiations. This includes if an individual issue arises during the transfer. If you are paying by payroll deduction it is vital that you make sure you switch to direct debit payments to ensure you are fully protected before, during and after the transfer.

To make the switch now click HERE