WA support for national wage case rise

9/5/02
Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke said today's Australian Industrial Relations Commission decision to increase Federal award wages by $18 a week would be welcomed by workers.
The wage increase will take effect when each individual federal award is varied to account for the decision.
"Federal awards play an important role in providing low paid workers with appropriate and fair wage rates," Mr Kobelke said.
"Eighteen dollars is an appropriate amount that will go some way to helping workers on Federal awards meet their weekly needs."
The Gallop Government is still examining the decision in detail.
A fact sheet outlining the impact of the 2002 National Wage Decision is detailed below.
Minister's office: 9222 9211

NATIONAL WAGE CASE DECISION
May 2002

FACT SHEET

The Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) National Wage Case Decision handed down on May 2002 grants an $18.00 per week increase.
It is not a general automatic wage increase from May 9, 2002. Each individual federal award must have the wage clause varied to include the 2002 wage increase.
Once each individual federal award is varied the wage increases will apply from a date specified in the award, generally being 12 months after the last increase was granted.
The pay increase does not apply to federal certified agreements, WA collective industrial agreements (EBAs), workplace agreements, or Australian Workplace Agreements unless that agreement specifies it applies.
The wage increase does not yet apply to State awards. A decision on whether it will apply to State awards will be made in coming months by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC).
More detailed advice on the current wages to be paid to employees can be obtained from Wageline on 1300 655 266.

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