The SDA and the Australian union movement are gearing up to make a strong case to the Fair Work Commission this year, arguing that all Australian workers need a decent pay rise in 2024.
From increasing mortgage repayments and rental prices to the rising cost of bills and groceries, the cost-of-living crisis has made it almost impossible for Australians to make ends meet.
While inflation has begun to steady in recent months, the reality is that that most people aren’t feeling the relief.
It is clear there is still a strong need for a real and fair pay rise.
In July 2023, unions won an historic increase to wages. Award wages increased by 5.75% and the minimum wage increased by 8.6%. The superannuation guarantee also increased by 0.5%, growing from 10.5% to 11%.
Despite this, wage growth in Australia has trailed behind inflation rates for over three years.
In order to get our economy working for working people, we need to see real wage growth for ordinary workers and their families.
We need to see wage growth sit above inflation rates, not behind them as has been the case in recent years.
When working people are better off, our communities and our economy are better off.
When workers earn more money, they have more money to spend in local businesses, restaurants and cafes which means when workers win, all of Australia wins.
A tax cut is not a substitute for a pay rise
While we’re fighting for a real pay rise, business groups like the Ai Group are arguing that workers don’t need to receive a decent pay rise this year, because they’re receiving a tax cut from July.
The SDA welcomes Albanese Government’s decision to alter planned tax cuts to ensure they extend to all Australians, however these tax breaks are not a substitute for a real pay rise – a view that Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers shares too.
A decent wage increase for workers from July 1 will help restore balance to our economy and give workers the support they need.
Support our campaign for a strong pay rise.