Award wage increases announced across the country – have you updated your employee contracts?
Gemma Wheeler- Carver, Solicitor and Murray Thornhill, Director and Notary Public from the Commercial Litigation Team update employers on the latest Fair Work Commission and WA Industrial Relations Commission announcements.
The Fair Work Commission announced recently its annual wage review under the Fair Work Act 2009. It is understood that 21% of Australians will be affected by this rise:
- the National minimum wage is set to increase to $740.80 per week or $19.49 per hour (up 3%);
- Modern Award minimum wages will increase by 3%;
- The National Training wage will increase by 3%; and
Modern Award minimum wages for those employees with a disability, and for those with training arrangements will increase by 3%.
In addition to these national award announcements, the Western Australia Industrial Relations Commission has awarded a 2.75% increase in the state minimum wage for employees who have reached 21 years of age, lifting it to $746.90 per week from 1 July 2019. Other WA award rates of pay will also increase by 2.75%, full details are available on the WAIRC website.
Employers…..Who is affected; what do you need to do; and when?
Employers will be required to review the employment contracts of any employees that are:
- paid wages at the minimum wage (or within 3% of that);
- are under a modern award; or
- other industrial instruments such as an Enterprise Agreement.
This increase must take effect in the pay period on or after the 1st July 2019.
Need a hand ensuring you are complying with the minimum standards or to make sure your employment contracts are otherwise compliant? Please call HHG Legal Group’s employment law and employee relations team on 1800 609 945