Living Wage Only Part of Answer

Date: 02 May 2000

While the LHMU welcomes today's decision of the Commission to award a $15 increase per week in Federal awards the increase must be seen in a context of sharply increasing costs for workers which is getting worse by the week.

With a $64 per month increase in a $100,000 mortgage since last November and more interest hikes on the way, a GST looming, petrol, transport, bank charges and rentals all increasing, the $15 per week needs to be supplemented by industry based wage campaigns during the next 12 months to gain wage increases that will cover the effect of Federal Government policies as well as a better share of company profits and executive salaries that have been rising by over 20 per cent in the last year.

The increase of $15 per week represents an increase of 3.3% for a Hospitality Award Worker Level 3 involved in bar, kitchen or room attendant work. The Hospitality Award was one of four LHMU Awards which were focus of the union case for a $24 increase in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. Exceptionally good tourism numbers, massive gaming machine revenues and strong occupancy in accommodation hotels requires a much better sharing of the benefit of a strong economy than this decision delivers.

The union expects consultation with members in all its industry areas during the next couple of months to determine appropriate industry wage outcomes that strong campaigning and support from workers can achieve.

For more media information contact LHMU Assistant National Secretary Tim Ferrari on tel (02) 9281 9511 (bh) or on mobile 041 766 7242

For further information

Contact:	Tim Ferrari
Union:	Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union
Phone:	041 766 7242
Email:	lhmu@lhmu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.lhmu.org.au/

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