City of Casey: Council set to shed hundreds of workers Australian Services Union hit back
The City of Casey will slash more than 200 aged care workers from its roster, in a move a union has called a “scandal”.
South East
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The City of Casey has been savaged by the Australian Services Union for a “secret” decision to outsource its aged care program — at the possible cost of more than 200 jobs.
Leader can confirm that workers employed by Casey’s aged care program were told in October that the council would likely outsource the work at the end of June.
While the decision was confirmed at a meeting in December, employees of the program claim they were told not to speak to media organisations about the plans.
“They’ve gagged us completely. People are too scared to say anything,” the source told Leader.
The council did not respond to questions over whether it gagged staff.
The council said the decision was made in light of Federal Government reforms in the sector, but the ASU said the decision to cease its aged care operations would likely force workers into significantly lower-paying jobs.
ASU secretary Lisa Darmanin said the decision was a “scandal.”
“It’s disgusting that Casey City Council is abandoning low-paid mostly women workers, forcing those that may get work with a non-council provider onto lower wages and conditions,” she said.
Leader understands that under the existing agreement Casey employees earned more than $31 per hour, compared with the $23 per hour offered at larger non-council aged care services providers.
In addition to better wages, Leader understands the agreement between workers and the City of Casey allows them a phone and a travel allowance.
Leader can confirm that the ASU took Casey to the Fair Work Commission in order to force the council to consult with its staff before a decision to outsource was made.
Ms Darmanin said the quality provided by council services was significantly greater than non-council operators.
“Our union has seen carers that are much worse off when councils exit in-home aged care service delivery, their employment conditions fall, and they have less time to care for the needs of elderly residents,” she said.
Callum Pattie, manager of connected communities at Casey, said the decision was made in response to Federal Government reforms in the sector — but did not specify which.
“In the lead-up to the decision, Council had been reviewing its Aged and Disability Services to determine what impacts these will reforms will have and how council can best support its aged residents and those living with a disability over the coming years,” Mr Pattie said.
“Council’s Aged and Disability Staff were kept informed of the progress of the review and the options being considered, including the option to transition out of services, prior to a final decision being made,” he said.