Fair pay for night work on the way

Idea Services' support workers will start getting paid the minimum wage for sleepover shifts within the next eight weeks.

The IHC business provides services for people with intellectual disabilities including supported living, where workers may be required to spend the night.

Until now, care workers were being paid a $34 allowance, plus their hourly rate for each time they had to get up and tend to the needs of occupants. They will now be paid per hour when required to spend the night at a supported living home.

Local Idea Services support worker Aneta McMeeking said it was a huge relief that the four-year fight for better pay was at an end.

"What we've achieved is a fight for recognition," she said.

Legal action was launched by the Service and Food Workers Union and the Public Service Association in 2007, calling for the minimum wage for sleepover shifts.

In 2009, the Employment Court ruled that being required to stay on the employer's premises throughout the night was work and should attract the adult minimum wage.

The Employment Court decision was appealed by IHC provider Idea Service and is now under the statutory management of the Government.

Earlier this year, the Court of Appeal upheld the Employment Court decision against IHC.

The pay increases will be rolled out within the next eight weeks and would gradually build up.

Mrs McMeeking said better pay was a definitely an incentive to go to work every day.

"Our work has always been great but now we're being recognised for the job we do, not just from Idea Services, but from the Government as well."

She said the fight for better pay was "for all the support workers out there".

"Now we can put it behind us and move on."