Job Search
1. Search for a role, such as "tax accountant"
2. Choose your State
3. Click Search
Should low-paid workers be spared wage rise restraint?
26 February 2008
The Australian Fair Pay Commission has approached Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on whether his calls for wage restraint at executive levels to curb inflation should apply to those on the legally mandated minimum wage.
Research indicates that workers on minimum wage received pay rises 1 per cent higher than inflation in rulings in July 2005 and October 2007. This is in addition to tax cuts and changes to welfare structures that have seen the average disposable income of many different family demographics rise substantially in recent years.
Considering the enviable position of job hunters in the current job market, could slowing the growth of the minimum wage cause low-paid workers to find new jobs? Regardless of what action is taken on this issue, workers may vote with their feet and force businesses to offer competitive salaries.
Source: Australian Financial Review
