Aged Care members secure EA with Bethanie Group

Friday 10 Apr 2015

HSUWA is pleased to announce we have recently concluded a new Enterprise Agreement with Bethanie Group Inc, in a particularly challenging environment.

While the aged care industry is the fastest growing industry in Australia, sadly, both the State and Federal Government funding is not keeping pace with that growth.

Constant change and restructuring makes securing improvements in conditions of employment, salary levels and pay increases difficult to achieve.

HSUWA Workplace Representatives, together with HSUWA Organisers Susan L'Herpiniere and Gilbert Reid, worked closely with Bethanie management to achieve the best outcome possible for members.

The 96.4% yes vote supporting the agreement highlights the success of the negotiations.

The outcomes include:

  • Increases in allowances:
    • Meal Allowance
    • On-Call Allowance
    • Uniform & Laundry Allowance
    • Medication Allowance
    • Fares and Motor Vehicle Allowance.  
  • Improved provisions for consultation about changes to rosters and hours
     
  • Improved parameters around taking Long Service Leave
     
  • Improved overtime entitlements

  • Guaranteed Wage Increases of 9.5% over the term of the Agreement:
    • 3.5% payable from the first pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2015
    • 3% payable from the first pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2016
    • 3% payable from the first pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2017

Bethanie is one of the largest not-for-profit providers of aged care services in WA, providing retirement villages, community care and quality residential hostels and nursing homes across the Perth metro area (from Yanchep to Mandurah) as well as in the South West (Bunbury and Eaton).

HSUWA members employed in Clerical, Administration, Therapy Assistant and Health Professional positions at Bethanie have demonstrated that by working together with their union they can make real improvements in wages and working conditions.

The HSUWA has recently concluded a new Agreement with Amana Living and negotiations are underway with Juniper Aged Care and RAAFA WA Aged Care.

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