Fed: ACTU takes living wage case to AIRC

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-2000
Fed: ACTU takes living wage case to AIRC

Australia's peak union body has officially begun its case for a $28 weekly pay rise
for the country's lowest paid workers.

Counsel for the ACTU, at a hearing in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission,
has said conciliation with employers and governments over the claim is unlikely.

The federal government is expected to oppose the full claim, but has supported small
rises in the past.

And the employers' Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has indicated support
for a small rise, in a surprise move.

Outside the AIRC, ACTU secretary GREG COMBET says while the chamber's support is welcome,
there's no doubt the figure will be thoroughly inadequate.

Mr COMBET says the ACTU's $28 claim has been fully costed and won't have a negative
effect on inflation for jobs.

He says the impact of the GST, fuel hikes and interest rate rises had negatively affected
workers.

aap RTV hmg/sp/jlw/jtb

KEYWORD: ACTU WAGES (MELBOURNE)

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