The National Union of Students is disappointed by the Fair Work Commission’s rule to raise the minimum wage by a measly 59 cents per hour at a time when wage growth is at an all time low and workers are at risk of losing their penalty rates.
Minimum wage earners are soon to face cuts to their Sunday penalty rates of $77 as of July 1. This far outweighs the $22.20 wage increase proposed by the Commission.
Young people and students are typically minimum wage earners in hospitality and retail industries who work unsociable and often uncertain shifts. These people rely on on their penalty rates to meet the exorbitantly high cost of living, particularly for students who are trying to balance study throughout the week.
“I have no doubt Mr Turnbull will deceptively try to market today’s decision as a pay rise but in actuality, this is just not good enough when penalty rates are being taken away from people who desperately rely on them” says NUS Welfare Officer Jill Molloy.
“With a rising cost of living, this is only going to deepen the Australian folly of a working poor and see students unable to continue their studies.” continued Molloy.
“Student poverty is a growing problem that the government has failed to take responsibility for and a 59 cent increase per hour is a slap in the face when students are struggling to get by!” says NUS President Sophie Johnston.
“Australia is one of the worst investors in education and social security in the OECD and yet wage growth has been appalling and underemployment is rife; it is time this government take real action to improve the living standards of young people.” Johnston continued.
The National Union of Students and it’s Welfare Department will continue to lobby for better rights of students in the workplace. Stagnating wage growth, cuts to penalty rates, unemployment, underemployment, casualization and wage theft need to be properly and sufficiently addressed by this government.
Sophie Johnston National President | National Union of Students
