Award wage let down: Queensland Unions

Jacqueline King, General Secretary Queensland Unions, said this morning’s announcement of a modest boost to the minimum award wage does not address rising cost of living for essential items such as housing, fuel, energy and groceries, pressures felt most severely by workers earning the minimum award.

“Today’s outcome is nothing short of a letdown for the 25 per cent of hard-working Australians, predominately female, casual or part-time workers in retail, community, fast food and private sector health and cleaning experiencing ongoing financial stress,” Ms King said.

“Unfortunately, the Fair Work Commission’s decision fails to consider workers on the award wage are some of our state’s lowest paid employees, making these people in our community the most susceptible to cost of living hikes and most in need of a real wage rise.

“The fact is, modern minimum award wages still sit lower than they were five years ago, even with last year’s 5.75 per cent increase.”

Ms King said although the minimum wage increase is above current inflation figures of 3.6 per cent, workers are still trying to catch up after ten years of suppressed wages and negative wage growth under the previous LNP Government.

“Today’s decision confirms the best way for working people to win a decent wage rise is to stand collectively and fight in their union at the bargaining table.

“It’s never been more abundantly clear that workers need to join their union to address inequity in our workplaces,” she said.

Ms King said union members across the state know decent, well-paid jobs are fundamental to a fair, thriving Queensland community.