Why thousands of aged care workers have been ‘pushed’ to strike
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Up to 5,000 Queensland aged care workers are expected to walk off the job today, calling for better industry conditions.
Staff in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia are taking part in the industrial action.
The United Workers Union’s Aged Care Director Carolyn Smith told Neil Breen workers feel they’ve been left with no choice but to strike.
“They’ve been pushed to this position by the lack of staffing in aged care, the impact that has on residents and the fact that they feel just torn about every day, feeling like they’re not providing quality care,” she said.
“They’ve been really careful to make sure we are taking this action at the best time of day.
“We’ve given providers a couple of weeks’ notice so they can get extra staff in.”
Press PLAY below to hear what the details on what they’re calling for
Nine News reporter Peter Fegan told Sofie Formica staff say conditions are now worse than they were in 2019 despite findings from the Royal Commission.
“They want to make a point, they want Scott Morrison to listen and they want those changes made.”
Press PLAY below to hear Peter Fegan’s report in full
Image: Getty