
Issue No 101		06 July 2001

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News

Checkout Operators Better Paid Than Aged Care Workers

The news that a Victorian Registered Nurse in Aged Care is being paid $200 an hour highlights the shamefully low pay of other Aged Care workers.

The Australian Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers' Union (LHMU) says a part-time adult checkout operator paid on the award 'Shops and Warehouse' on a Thursday night gets $14.88 per hour. A typical Aged Care worker earns $13.61 per hour.

"While you're doing the shopping on a Thursday night, secure in the knowledge that your loved one in an Aged Care facility is being looked after in a professional and caring manner, you should take note that the person scanning your groceries is earning more than the dedicated carer," Acting LHMU Secretary in WA Dave Kelly says.

"This is despite the fact that the carer may have done a nationally accredited certificate in their own time and at their own expense; or they may have years and years of valuable experience in the aged care sector."

Mr Kelly said that it was only the dedication of staff which kept Aged Care facilities going. "Nobody becomes an Aged Care worker for the money," he said. "Our members tell us they do the job because it's very important, and they feel a sense of dedication to the people in their care.

"We are not asking for them to be paid $200 an hour - simply for their value to be recognised with a decent rate of pay, and adequate funding from the Federal Government to enable them to do their jobs without stress, job security and safety issues making their lives a misery."

Aged Care workers and community members in the South West will attend a Public Rally in Bunbury this Saturday. Aged care is a major issue in Bunbury, with a chronic bed shortage, and the dispute over Forrest Lodge - a brand new $7m facility standing empty for the third month running.

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  Issue 101 contents

Interview: A Little Knowledge
Labor's science spokesman Martyn Evans was the Opposition's key player on the Knowledge Nation inquiry. He fills us in on the process.

Education: Theory and Practise
Whether or not you agree with the priorities for of Barry Jones� Knowledge Nation Taskforce, Julie Wells argues its boldness has to be admired.

E-Change: 1.1 Email Nation
In the first of a series of articles on politics and the new economy, Peter Lewis and Michael Gadiel argue network technologies are reshaping the fundamentals of society.

Economics: Banking on the Goodwill
Given their history, Evan Jones wonders whether banks can really claim to be "just like any other business"

International: A Deathly Struggle
In this dispatch from PNG, a trade union leader briefs us on the situation following the shooting of seven students at an anti-privatisation rally.

History: Enlarging Human Personality
Mark Hearn argues that Lloyd Ross's post-War approach to Workplace Democracy seems contemporary by today's standards

Satire: Shit is a Four Letter Word
Australian TV drama is lame and gutless just look at the ABC's Love is a Four Letter Word, says Tony Moore

Review: Tribute to an Artist
Dalgarno painted the seagulls circling the seafarer like flies buzzing around the face of a bushman. Thus did the artist depict the maritime worker.

» Academic Freedom On Trial

» Unified Approach to Sheahan Inquiry

» Living Standards Shape as Election Factor

» Clairvoyant PM In Secret Deal Fantasy

» Hotels Face Workers Quiz

» Call for Senate to Decide Spammer's Fate

» PNG � Howard Should Speak Out

» Couriers Buck Over Tax Ruling

» Kempsey Killing Highlights Health Fears

» Checkout Operators Better Paid Than Aged Care Workers

» ACTU Weighs Into Bank Campaign

» Fund Bad Health for Families

» Australian Music Web Radio Station Needs Recruits

» Activist Notebook