SA UNIONS SEEKS EXTRA $26 WEEK FOR LOWEST PAID

7 April2008

SA Unions has lodged a claim for a $26 a week increase for the state's lowest paid workers.

It seeks to have the minimum standard of remuneration rise from $522.15 a week to $548.15 a week.

And increased pay is being sought for apprentices.  Currently an apprentice can receive as little as 37% of the adult trade rate.  A claim has been lodged seeking to make the minimum payable to apprentices no less than 55% of the adult rate.

This would encourage greater take up of apprenticeships, and reduce the high drop out rate of young people lured to higher paying positions as unskilled labour.

SA Unions will begin serving employers summonses this week, ahead of hearing into the matter at a date to be set.

The minimum wage claim mirrors the recent national claim by the ACTU.

SA Unions Secretary, Janet Giles says it's a very fair and reasonable request.

"Those on low incomes struggling to get by desperately need every extra dollar they can get."

"Mortgage rates have gone up 3 times in recent months, the price of petrol is rising, and day to day living expenses are climbing too - food, bills, education, health.  Working families are struggling to keep their heads above water", she says.

"Meanwhile, in South Australia there's the extra threat of cuts to WorkCover."

"Injured workers stand to lose 10 to 20 percent of their income if they're seriously injured and their recovery takes time."

"Given it's very often workers in low paid, high risk industries that are most dependent on WorkCover, a rise in the minimum wage for them would be crucial."