Delays in minimum wage increase

THE Fair Work Commission has agreed to delay a rise in the national minimum wage for a select number of travel and tourism industry verticals.

The panel today concluded that while the minimum wage for workers across the country will increase by $40 a week from 01 Jul, “exceptional circumstances” for some under stress industries dictate that changes should have to wait until 01 Oct.

These include the Aircraft Cabin Crew Award, Alpine Resorts Award, Hospitality Award, Marine Tourism and Charter Vessels Award, Air Pilots Award, Airline Operations – Ground Staff Award, and Airport Employees Award.

Prominent trade unionist, Sally McManus, was critical of the move to delay wage changes for airlines, stating they were now “very busy and have recovered” and pay should therefore rise.