News Release

STATE WAGE CASE - NATIONAL PARITY SOUGHT

2 April 2007

SA Unions is seeking a wage increase which will keep South Australia's minimum wage earners in line with the rest of Australia.

SA Unions' application will mirror that lodged by the ACTU on Friday, plus an additional "catch up" amount to make up for a shortfall from the last wage case.

SA Unions Secretary, Janet Giles says it's a fair application to help struggling families meet the rising cost of living.

"The ACTU is seeking a $28 a week increase for workers covered by federal awards.  SA Unions will apply for $28 a week too, for workers under state awards."

"We'll also seek a "catch up" component, because the last state wage case delivered an outcome lower than elsewhere.  SA workers need an additional $10.50 a week to keep pace with standards nationally."

"This is about fairness and a decent living wage.  We don't want South Australia's workers treated as second rate citizens to other workers.  The same kind of work deserves the same kind of pay - regardless of whether it is performed under a federal or a state award."

"We don't want the gap between South Australian workers and others to become entrenched or become any bigger - that's why we need the catch up component."

"It's becoming harder and harder to make ends meet.  Working families are struggling with rising interest rates, rising fuel and transport prices, rising food prices, and increased living costs from utilities bills through to medical and education expenses.  Our application is the very minimum required to ensure people can keep their heads above water", Ms Giles says.

Ms Giles says the application will be lodged with the Industrial Relations Commission today, and a decision is expected around late May.