Workplace Relations Update – Annual Wage Review 2019

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE

On Thursday, 30 May 2019, the Fair Work Commission handed down its decision increasing Award Rates of Pay.  (This is the first increase in Award rates of pay of pay since 1 July 2018).

  • Adult rates of pay for each Award classification are to be increased by 3.0% per week.  This equates to an increase of $25.10 per week for the Award Tradesperson classification rate of pay from $837.40 to $862.50 per week, (an increase of $0.67 cents per hour).  Lesser proportionate increases are applicable for non- trades classifications.
  • Junior and apprentices rates of pay will increase proportionately.
  • The minimum weekly adult rate of pay has been increased by $21.60 per week to $741.20 per week, or $19.50 per hour, an increase of $0.57 per hour.
  • These increases are absorbable against over award payments in employee’s Contracts of Employment and rates of pay provided for in Enterprise Agreements, Collective Agreements, ITEA’s and AWA’s.
  • OWEVER, ALL EMPLOYEES MUST BE PAID AT LEAST THE NEW AWARD RATES OF PAY FOR THEIR CLASSIFICATION.
  • Award allowances, (e.g. Leading, Hand, Meal Allowance, First Aid, etc.) will also be increased.
  • Operative Date.  The new Award rates of pay and increases will be operative from the beginning of the first pay period to commence on or after 1 July 2019.

Copies of Award Rates of Pay schedules will be forwarded to clients in the next two weeks.

Clients requiring further information are invited to contact me by email or on 04129 500 609.