Greens back unions' minimum wage target

The minimum wage would be 60 per cent of the median income under a Greens-backed union plan to boost the pay packets of Australia's lowest-paid workers.

Australia's lowest-paid workers would have more than $60 a week extra in their pockets under a Greens-backed union plan.

The minor party has unveiled its new industrial relations policy, which supports the Australian Council of Trade Unions' long-term target to make minimum wage 60 per cent of the median income.

The Greens will introduce legislation to phase in pay increases to meet the target as soon as possible.

"If trickle-down economics worked, we'd all be drenched by now. It's time for the government to put its hands back on the levers," Greens' employment spokesman Adam Bandt said.

"Working people need a living wage enshrined in law."

The median wage is $1261 a week, with 60 per cent of that figure $756, which would increase the minimum wage by almost $62.

The ACTU is pushing for an immediate $50-a-week pay increase when the industrial umpire makes its upcoming minimum wage ruling.

Employer groups have warned that figure would reduce the job security of low-paid workers and lower employment opportunities.


Share
1 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world