Award workers will get an $18 per week increase after the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) today rejected business claims of an uncertain economic future.
The AIRC cited forecasts of 3 to 4% economic growth and decreasing unemployment as factors contributing to the decision.
"There is no reason to conclude that world economic conditions pose a significant threat to the Australian economy in the next 12 months," the decision says.
"The increase will provide for the needs of the low paid to the extent that the economic conditions we have identified permit and will maintain the real value of wages of most award reliant employees.
"We have decided to award an increase of $18 per week in all award rates.
"We are confident that the cost of the increase is manageable and will not impact significantly on aggregate wages growth.
"We accept that the increase we have decided upon may have some negative effects on employment in those sectors of the economy in which a high proportion of the workers are award-reliant."
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) claim sought a $25 per week increase to award rates in all levels, while the federal government and business groups such as the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) supported an increase of $10 per week.
To read the AIRC's decision, click
here.
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