Trades Hall Backs Wage Increase For Low Earners

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday January 13, 2009

By JULIEANNE STRACHAN

NEWCASTLE Trades Hall has said low-income earners should not be forced to pay the price of corporate greed, following warnings any rise in the minimum wage would be guided by the global economic crisis.

Fair Pay Commission chairman Professor Ian Harper has said the impact of the crisis and rising unemployment would guide the commission in its consultations over the next few months.

But Trades Hall secretary Gary Kennedy said low-income earners should not be forced into accepting the smallest possible increase brought on by the economic downturn.

"They should absolutely get the CPI plus a top-up," he said.

"These people are not going to use the money to buy shares or a new BMW, they will need it to put food on the table and keep roofs over their heads."

Minimum-wage earners often worked two or three jobs, as they were unable to get a full 38 hours in any one job, Mr Kennedy said.

"There are heaps of people on the minimum wage, a lot of them are employed in areas like nursing aides, aged care, security industries, hospitality, labourers in factories.

"An increase like last year's [$21.66] would be perfect."

The Trades Hall intends to make a submission to the Fair Wage Commission on this year's rise. It is expected to make its decision in July.

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