$26.60 minimum wage rise claim

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is to seek at $26.60 per week wage rise for Australia's lowest paid workers. If successful the claim would raise the legal minimum adult wage to $13 per hour, or $494 per week for full time workers.

ACTU Secretary Greg Combet said:

"A decent increase in minimum wages is needed given ABS data that shows more than 1 million working families were forced to go further into debt, draw down on savings or sell jewellery and other assets owing to the financial stress they faced in the past year."

"Under the Federal Coalition Government, deregulation of the labour market is keeping wages very low for award workers while the cost of living continues to rise. Most award workers are women in part time and casual jobs who often serve the needs of others in hospitality, retail, health, childcare and community sectors. They deserve a pay rise."

The claim will be heard in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission next year with a decision likely in May 2005.