States must protect low paid

Date: 13 February 2003

One of Australia's biggest unions plans to enlist State Governments to deliver fair and decent wages if the Federal Government pushes through a new law which will hurt millions of low-paid workers.

" The single biggest group of workers hit by a new law proposed by the Federal Government will be LHMU members working in cleaning, security, child care and the hospitality industry," Tim Ferrari, LHMU Assistant National Secretary, said today.

" Tens of thousands of LHMU members who are paid award classification rates would not receive an increase in 2003.

" The minimum wage case this year has not even started. All State governments are supporting an $18 per week increase for all award paid workers.

" The ACTU claim for $24.60 per week is a moderate claim at best.

" Behind this push by Abbott is an attempt to pressure the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to adopt the employer arguments that have been previously rejected by the Commission i.e. that only the federal minimum wage ( currently a lousy $431.40 per week) should receive a wage increase ( if any).

" Success by Abbott in forcing the Commission to refuse an increase for all award workers would further undermine the integrity of the Federal system.

" Many thousands of LHMU members are paid under state awards which until now have followed the federal system in state commission hearings.

" If Abbott has his way, the LHMU will seek the support of State Labor Councils and other affiliates to seek fair and decent increases for award paid workers i.e. to ignore a federal decision that has been nobbled by a totally uncaring Federal Minister.

" We would also expect Labor Governments to support fair and decent wages rises through the state systems," Tim Ferrari said.

The LHMU proudly represents around 130,000 hard working women and men throughout Australia

For further info: Tim Ferrari, LHMU Assistant National Secretary, 8204 7224 or 0425 242 727

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