United Workers Union’s Industry Labour Agreement secures a pathway to permanent residency for migrant aged care workers, strengthening workforce stability in a sector heavily reliant on migrant labour. This agreement supports members in building long-term careers in Australia.
In response to critical staffing shortages in aged care, our union collaborated with aged care providers and the Australian government to secure a groundbreaking Industry Labour Agreement. This agreement, available to approved providers with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with United Workers Union, provides a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for migrant aged care workers, a group that constitutes around 40 of the sector’s workforce. Under the agreement, aged care providers can sponsor skilled direct care workers for permanent residency after two years of work, providing much-needed stability and recognition for those who have supported the sector through immense challenges, including the pandemic. For our members, this labour agreement offers the security to build their lives and careers in Australia, addressing high turnover and creating a sustainable workforce in aged care.