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ACTU Seeks 5% Minimum-Wage Rise for Three Million Workers

Employer groups call the bid inflationary ahead of a March 27 submissions deadline.

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Workers set for a 5% pay rise as unions warn low-paid workers are still worse off.
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Overview

  • The ACTU filed a 5% claim Tuesday in the Fair Work Commission’s annual wage review to lift the minimum to $26.19 an hour.
  • The increase would add about $2,465 to the annual full-time minimum and reach roughly three million award-reliant workers in hospitality, retail, disability care and health.
  • ACTU secretary Sally McManus says wages have fallen behind prices and estimates the rise would add about 0.6% to the national payroll, which she argues would not push up inflation.
  • The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry opposes an above-inflation rise and is preparing a 3.5% counter, with economists warning higher labor costs can flow through to consumer prices.
  • Initial submissions close March 27, a decision is due in June, and the debate follows ABS data showing wages up 3.4% against 3.8% inflation and fresh pressure from higher fuel costs and rate hikes.