United Voice News
Low paid workers continue to have it tough
The 57 cents an hour wage increase handed down by the Australian Fair Pay Commission on 8 June 2008, represents a very minor rise when compared to the generous 18.9 percent boost to senior public servants’ salaries signed yesterday.
The LHMU believes that the 2008 Wage-Setting decision has been a disappointing outcome.
The
ACTU had initially asked for a wage rise of 5 percent, equivalent to an
extra $26 a week for full-time workers. For an estimated 100,000
workers on the minimum wage, many of whom do not work full-time, the
ACTU claim was a bare minimum to keep ahead of inflation.
LHMU National Secretary Louise Tarrant said:
“Today’s
wage decision shows that low paid workers will continue to have it
tough. Enterprise bargaining and its promised benefits are virtually
non-existent for them. An extra 57 cents an hour is welcomed, but it
will not mean that working families will be much better off.
“Low-paid
workers are facing a real uphill battle. High petrol prices,
unaffordable housing – particularly rising rents - mean that they are
still struggling.”
The Fair Pay Commission conducts annual wage
reviews and announces the decisions in July, but the decision does not
apply until October.
