Minimum wage increase 2020.

Earlier this month, the Fair Work Commission announced that the minimum wage will increase by 1.75% for millions of the lowest paid workers across the country. Although we’re disappointed what is a modest increase this year, and the lowest increase in many years, we’re happy that the commission did not seek to freeze wages completely.

It’s thanks to the hard work of unionists like yourself that an increase to the minimum wage was possible at all.

Due to the difficulties of the current pandemic crisis, the roll out of wage increases will be staggered.

• Minimum wages will increase by 1.75%, or 35 cents p/hour to $19.84 per hour; or an increase of $13 per week to for a full time worker.
• Award wages will also be increased by 1.75% with HACSU members who are employed under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services, commonly known as SCHADS Industry Award seeing an increase from July 1st 2020.
• Some other award wages will increase later, on either 1 November 2020 or 1 February 2021. 
• The increases will be received on the first full pay period on or after July 1st 2020.

Unfortunately, whilst any increase is a step in the right direction, it does fall short of the proposed increase by the Australian Council of Trade Unions and is less than the 3% increase last year.

Now is the time for us to come together and fight for better, together. The more union members that come together to collectively raise our voices, the more chance we have of continuing to improve the rights of working people across the nation.

“Increases to wages and better conditions at work are fought hard by strong unions with dedicated members. This increase would not have been possible without the dedication of HACSU members across Victoria. Now is the best time to talk to your colleagues today about the importance of being a member of their trade union.” – Paul Healey, HACSU State Secretary.

In the meanwhile, we’re continuing business as usual for the union, meeting with Government Ministers, Jenny Mikakos, Minister for Health and Luke Donnellan Minister for Disability to manage day-to-day issues for members like PPE usage, and major change in workplaces.

We’re in the process of putting together a printable wage rate table that we’ll provide to members very soon. Watch your inbox and make sure you’re checking MyPage regularly to stay up to take on all matters relating to your rights at work.

In unity, 

HACSU.