Wage rises for low-paid workers

A fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work – that’s what Labor will always fight for.

When we came to office, wages had been stagnated as a deliberate design feature of the former Coalition government’s economic plan.

Research published this week by David Peetz at the Centre for Future Work found that government policy between 2014 and 2022 diminished bargaining power and wages for Australian workers.

Now, Labor has helped to move the dial and get wages growing again with industrial relations action that has boosted workers rights and pay, like:

– Backing consecutive wage rises for low-paid workers – including our recent Fair Work submission to secure another pay rise for around 3 million workers

– Introducing gender equality reforms that have empowered the Fair Work Commission to review gender undervaluation in modern awards – because we know women in feminised sectors have been underpaid and undervalued for too long

– Delivering historic pay rises to aged care workers and early educators – giving half a million women workers greater economic security and the recognition they deserve

For working Australians, this is progress that is making a difference in households across the country.

Our support for wage increases to the minimum wage alone have meant an increase of up to $7,500 a year for low-paid workers. 💫

And this week, research published by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) stated that “the restoration of wage growth means the average full-time worker earns $8,700 more under the Albanese Government than they would have if the Coalition’s policy-settings had continued.”

Labor knows better pay and working conditions contributes to the prosperity of Australia, because greater workforce participation helps drive our economy.

Changes like this are only possible with a Labor Government, and we will continue to build Australia’s future, with good, secure jobs workers can count, on and fairer wages for all.