The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has announced its decision that there will be a modern award minimum wage increase of 4.6%, subject to a minimum $40 per week increase to adult award classifications, which will commence from members’ first full period commencing on or after 1 July 2022. This increase applies to the General Retail Industry and Timber Industry Awards (the Awards).
This means that:
- employees receiving less than $869.60 per week, based on the applicable pay they would have received if they were a full-time adult employee, will receive a pro-rated $40 weekly increase; and
- employees receiving at least $869.60 per week, based on the applicable pay they would have received if they were a full-time adult employee, will receive a 4.6% wage increase.
The FWC also announced a 5.2% increase to the national minimum wage.
MGA TMA advocated for restraint in any modern award wage increase and supported a 0% wage increase because of ever-increasing costs of doing business. Despite MGA TMA’s submissions, the FWC decided in favour of the substantial wage increase, taking into account inflationary pressures, cost of living pressures and real wage values.
Preliminary draft wage tables for the Awards will be available shortly, and finalised wage tables will be subject to rounding by the Fair Work Ombudsman.