Northern Territory Minimum Wage Falling

Senator Trish Crossin says the lowest paid Territory workers are falling behind the pay of workers elsewhere under the Howard Government's WorkChoices legislation.

"Minimum wage workers in NSW and Western Australia were granted $20 a week increases this week by their state industrial relations commissions” Senator Crossin said.

"Meanwhile under WorkChoices the new Federal Low Pay Commission might not even look at the minimum rates for Territory workers until November.

"In effect there is a minimum wage freeze under WorkChoices until the Low Pay Commission makes a decision.

"Since the Australian Industrial Relations Commission was stripped of its minimum wage setting function under WorkChoices any consideration of fairness and cost of living increases like inflation in the minimum wage case has been dumped.

"The Federal Government has refused to guarantee any increase in the Federal Minimum Wage in real terms under the new system.

"In contrast workers in NSW and Western Australia have gained a 4% increase worth $1,040 a year, which is an increase in real terms.

"There was no mention in the last Federal election campaign that the minimum wage would be driven down or any mention of the extreme provisions of WorkChoices.

"John Howard sprung these ideological changes from the bottom draw when he was unexpectedly handed a free reign with control of the Senate.

"I urge all Territory working families concerned about this real threat to their conditions under WorkChoices to join in the National Protest on Wednesday 28 June” Senator Crossin said.

A protest rally will be held in Darwin at Raintree Park Smith St Mall noon Wednesday 28 June.

As well as attending week of action events around Australia, workers are encouraged to take part in a range of activities including workplace meetings; morning teas; BBQ's and 'orange' days where workers will be wearing Rights At Work campaign badges, stickers or orange items of clothing.

2006-06-27