The Fair Work Commission has approved a pay rise of 4.75 per cent which could positively affect millions of Australian workers.
Its annual wage review delivers an increase for roughly three million Australians on award wages plus an even higher increase of six per cent for workers on minimum wage which is roughly 100k people.
This moves the national minimum wage to over $1000 per week based off a 38-hour working week or $26.44 per hour.
Unions pushed for a six per cent wage increase which wasn’t successful but the 4.75 per cent will at least ease some of the pressures caused by the war’s aftershock in the Middle East, with a small buffer if the situation continues.
Although it is great news for employees, it puts another strain on small businesses who are struggling as it is.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions Secretary, Sally McManus said the unions work hard to secure wage increases to help provide relief for Australians.
“It means relief is on the way for lower-paid workers to help keep up with price pressures and avoid the need to cut back on essentials like food or seeing a doctor,”
“It is encouraging to see that even higher wage rises of 6%, matching our full claim, have been awarded to around 100,000 workers on the very lowest pay rates because they simply could not afford to wait.” She said.
