ACTU intends to seek 7 per cent increase for award wages in annual wage review

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) will seek a 7 per cent increase for Australian workers earning minimum wage and award wages as part of its submission to the Annual Wage Review. 

Each year, the Fair Work Commission hears from unions and employers before deciding whether to lift minimum wages and award wages and by how much. About one in four workers (or 2.67 million) are directly affected by this decision, which comes into effect on 1 July 2023. 

Should a 7 per cent increase pass the minimum wage hourly rate would lift to $22.88 and the minimum annual full-time rate would rise by $2966 to take it to $45,337.28. 

“A 7 per cent pay increase is essential for minimum and award wage workers, who have suffered real wage cuts over the past two years,” ACTU Secretary Sally McManus said. 

“This increase is vital to help working people keep their heads above water. It is simply about survival for the lowest paid workers in our country.”

The statistics stand behind real people affected by the cost of living crisis, Ms McManus continued, “the workers we rely on to deliver vital services in early learning, aged care, disability care, fast food, cleaners, security, and retail.” 

“People are skipping meals, avoiding medical care, and dreading their next bill. Rents have skyrocketed along with the cost of essentials such as groceries, clothing, fuel, and childcare. Working people need a lifeline. “

“Companies have been posting huge profits, driving inflation through excessive price rises,” she continued. 

“It’s time they conceded they can afford to pay their workers more and stopped hurting the people who can least afford it through wage suppression and high prices.”