WELCOME RISE FOR THE LOWEST PAID

21 August 2009

SA Unions has applauded the State Industrial Relations Commission's decision to award a 2.56% pay rise to the state's lowest paid workers.

It means workers on the minimum pay rate will receive a $14 per week rise, taking their weekly income from $546.65 to $560.65.  it is consistent with the recent awards made by interstate Tribunals.

SA Unions Secretary, Janet Giles praised the Commission for considering the needs of struggling families in these tough economic times.

"The IRC accepted our argument that the state economy could sustain a modest increase without adding to unemployment.  With the cost of essentials such as food, electricity and gas having increased well beyond the CPI, an extra $14 per week will make a huge difference for those struggling to make ends meet."

Ms Giles says it's further justification of the value of having a strong, state based industrial system.

"The Commission has assessed the unique circumstances of South Australia and made a decision in the best interests of our families, balanced with the needs of business."

"It's a decision that the roundly discredited Australian Fair Pay Commission was incapable of making", Ms Giles says.

"The AFPC's last dastardly act on the eve of its demise was to reject any increase for low paid workers in the federal sphere.  It was a decision no other industrial system has agreed with - other states have similarly seen the importance of supporting low paid workers in these uncertain times.  We're pleased to see the AFPC abolished, and even more pleased that the SA IRC rejected the AFPC's spurious reasoning and made its own objective assessment of the needs of SA workers", Ms Giles says.