The Wire

The Union movement calls it “pathetic”. The Howard Government and major employers call it “responsible”. It’s the latest pay offer to Australia’s 1.6 million minimum wage earners. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce are offering a rise of just $10 per week, less than half the union claim of $26.20. Unions say that after inflation and tax that would effectively mean a pay cut for the nation’s lowest paid employees. But employers, backed by the Federal government claim a larger rise would cost jobs, with some bosses unable to pay. Mark Robinson spoke to ACTU secretary, Greg Combet.