About 3 million workers on minimum wage to receive 4.75% pay rise in Fair Work Commission ruling
Workers on the minimum wage will receive a 4.75% pay rise after a decision by the Fair Work Commission. Photograph: James Ross/AAP View image in fullscreen Workers on the minimum wage will receive a 4.75% pay rise after a decision by the Fair Work Commission. Photograph: James Ross/AAP About 3 million workers on minimum wage to receive 4.75% pay rise in Fair Work Commission ruling Unions had demanded 6% pay increase for lowest paid after war in Middle East pushed inflation higher Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Nearly 3 million workers will receive a 4.75% pay rise, while about 100,000 of the country’s lowest paid will receive a higher 6% increase, after the Fair Work Commission handed down its annual minimum wage decision. Announcing the 4.75% decision on Tuesday morning applicable to the roughly 2.8 million workers on award wages, the Fair Work Commission’s president, Justice Adam Hatcher, announced that the lowest ongoing wage rate for employees would climb from nearly $24.95 an hour, to $26.44 – a lift of just under 6%. Hatcher said this year’s decision, which applies from 1 July, was “particularly challenging” in the context of surging fuel prices adding to already existing inflationary pressures. He pointed that falling living standards had hit the lowest paid the hardest, justifying what he called “additional measures” to protect more vulnerable employees. Sign up for the Breaking News Australia email The higher increase for the lowest paid reflected a “structural adjustment” to pay classifications, he said. Unions had demanded a 6% minimum wage increase after last month’s budget projected inflation reaching 5% in the year to June. A peak employers’ association, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was calling for a 3.5% increase. Capital city home prices fall as experts predict Australia’s property slump could last a year and cut values by 10% Read more The cost of living has been the No 1 issue weighing on Australian households since inflation tore through the economy in the wake of the Covid-19 lockdowns. The previous minimum wage increase was 3.5% for 2025-26. Inflation was 4.2% in the year to April, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, and the budget also predicted consumer price growth could push beyond 5% should the Middle East conflict extend and oil prices climb higher for longer. With the Reserve Bank warning it may have to hike interest rates further to squash any signs an inflationary mindset has taken hold of the country, Jim Chalmers, the treasurer, has called for a “real” wage increase but added that it also needed to be “sustainable”. Explore more on these topics Minimum wage Australian economy Cost-of-living crisis Australian trade unions Inflation news Share Reuse this content
Finally, some relief for those struggling on the bottom rung of the ladder! A 4.75% pay rise for 3 million workers is a long overdue boost. Lets hope this sets a precedent for better wages and conditions across the board. #FairWages #MinimumWageRise
While a 4.75% pay rise for 3 million workers is a positive step, its crucial to consider the long-term impact on businesses and the economy. Is this increase sustainable, or will it lead to inflationary pressures? What are the potential consequences for small and medium-sized enterprises?
An increase for workers is always good, but lets not forget about the businesses that need to stay competitive. A 4.75% hike could be tough for some. #MinimumWage #FairWork #EconomicImpact
Minimum wage hikes must balance worker rights with business sustainability. A 4.75% increase could indeed be challenging for some sectors. #EconomicBalance #WorkerRights
A 4.75% raise for minimum wage workers is a step in the right direction, but businesses must find innovative solutions to balance costs. Lets support both workers and our economy by exploring fair wages and smart business practices. #EconomicJustice #Innovation
Finally, some relief for those struggling on the bottom rung of the ladder! A 4.75% pay rise for 3 million workers is a long overdue boost. Lets hope this sets a precedent for better wages and conditions for all. #FairWork #MinimumWageRise #WorkerRights
While a 4.75% pay rise for 3 million workers is a welcome step, lets consider if this modest increase will truly alleviate the financial strain on those on minimum wage. A more substantial raise might be needed to see real improvements in their quality of life.
A 4.75% pay rise for 3 million workers sounds like a step in the right direction, but lets not overlook the potential long-term economic impacts. Will businesses be able to absorb the cost without passing it on to consumers or cutting other expenses? Only time will tell, but we must consider the broader implications for inflation and economic growth.
This is a crucial step forward for workers! Its not just about raising their earnings, its about giving them a fighting chance. Lets see how businesses handle it sustainably.
While a 4.75% pay rise is a step in the right direction, its crucial to consider the long-term impact. A sustainable increase should also consider inflation and business profitability. Its a delicate balance that requires careful consideration.
Finally, some relief for those struggling on the bottom rung of the ladder! A 4.75% pay rise for 3 million workers is a long overdue boost. Lets hope this sets a precedent for better wages and conditions. #FightForWages #MinimumWageRise
Its great to see the Fair Work Commission ruling in favor of workers on minimum wage. A 4.75% pay rise for about 3 million workers is a significant step towards improving their living standards and providing them with a better quality of life. Its important that all workers have access to fair compensation for their hard work, and this ruling helps to ensure that happens. Its also a positive step towards reducing income inequality and promoting social mobility.
Another day, another pay hike. But dont worry, the businesses are just going to cut jobs and raise prices to offset the cost. #EconomicNonsense
Absolutely! Its crucial to find that sweet spot between protecting workers and ensuring businesses can thrive. Lets aim for incremental increases that keep wages rising without breaking the bank. #EconomicGrowth #SocialJustice