Occupational therapists working in Victorian public health might walk over their growing pay gap with nurses.
With the Fair Work Commission recommending landmark levelling of pay gaps, the Victorian government is being urged to read the room.
At the moment, nurses earn significantly more than occupational therapists for the same work and a recent Victorian government pay offer sets to widen that gap. It’s proposing a 12% pay raise for OTs, compared to a 28% increase for nurses.
This pay offer has caused serious concern across the OT community.
According to Occupational Therapy Australia, some OTs could end up earning almost $34,000 less per year than their nursing colleagues. They say many are considering leaving the public system altogether.
“What our members anticipate is that this offer creates significant challenges that will cause enduring and irreversible workforce shortages,” said Michelle Oliver, chief OT from Occupational Therapy Australia.
“What we don’t want to see is people walking away from their career, or a system that cannot attract new staff due to rates that are insufficient for the quality of work and training required,” she said.
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It comes amid a recent Fair Work Commission (FWC) provisional decision to level the pay gap in traditionally female dominated industries.
The FWC reviewed the Health Professions and Support Services 2020 Award to address historical undervaluation and increase award rates that recognise professional qualifications and experience.
The FWC suggested increases of award salaries across the board, and up to 30% for early career OTs. They’re currently gathering feedback about these changes with feedback due on 3rd May.
Clinicians in the mental health space hope the Victorian government takes note of the FWC decision and reconsiders their pay offer.
“Occupational therapists working in mental health settings play a vital role in helping people recover and live independently,” said Samantha Hunter, CEO of OTA.
“They provide therapeutic support, work with people over the long term, and help manage complex mental health needs. Their work is essential to the system and deserves to be recognised and fairly paid.”