Update for Direct Care Resources Members - Appeal Lodged!

Our union has been by your side throughout the bargaining process for a new Direct Care Resources (DCR) Enterprise Agreement (EA). This EA was approved on 26 September 2023 by the Fair Work Commission (FWC).

Appealing the approval of the DCR EA 2023

The decision of the FWC to consider the Home Care classification as the basis for the Better Off Overall Test and to disregard the obvious requirement for first aid work was not an outcome that we take lightly, particularly given the impact that this may have more broadly on the Disability Services Sector. DCR is just one Organisation that is classifying workers as Home Care Workers and undervaluing the work done by Disability Support Workers.

Our Union has appealed the decision, and we are ready to argue for the classification recognition you deserve. The appeal has been allocated to be heard by a Full Bench of the FWC headed up by the President Justice Hatcher in the December Appeal Roster and we expect that this will be heard between 13 to 19 December 2023.

Lodging this appeal does not stop the operation of the current EA and it will remain in place while this matter is resolved.

There is nothing more that you need to do. As our valued member, we will keep you updated with the progress of this appeal.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your union organiser or union delegates:

Imogen Smith – Union Organiser [email protected] 0419 679 479

Brian McGovern – Union Delegate [email protected]

Daniel Young – Union Delegate [email protected]