Colac Industrial Relations Consultant

January 13, 2014

National minimum wage and conditions of fair pay

Industrial Relations covers the national minimum wage and conditions of fair pay. Businesses are expected to comply with these standards and employees can take appropriate action if they are mistreated – in many cases though a business that doens’t comply with Fair Work standards will have trouble retaining skilled staff because they will simply leave.

The full-time minimum wage is currently $16.37 per hour or $622.20 per week. Majority of employees in the national system shouldn’t get less than this.

Casual employees that are covered by the national minimum wage get an extra 24% ($20.30 per hour).

Conditions of pay depend on many things, including:

  • Whether you are employed on a casual, part time or full time basis
  • The industry you are in
  • Whether you are covered by a modern award or not
  • If you are an apprentice, junior or trainee
  • If you are an employee with a disability

For information specific to the industry you are in, see Fair Work Commission Pay & Conditions Guides for popular industries.

There guides contain information specific to industries including accommodation, fast food, hair and beauty, retail and more.

Apprentices, trainees and juniors who are not covered by an award or agreement have special minimum wages. From the first of July, 2013 these are:

Blog_January13_FairPay

Many businesses need help navigating the landscape of ever evolving awards, minimum wages and conditions of fair pay and that is where an Industrial Relations Consultant can help. We are based in Geelong and service through to Colac for Industrial Relations Consulting.

A good attitude towards Industrial Relations including fair pay and conditions helps to retain good staff. If you like to speak with a Colac Industrial Relations Consultant, please contact us.

The Fair Work Commission reviews minimum wages each year. Any changes start from 1 July.

Information and table from: Fair Work Ombudsman – National Minimum Wage

You can find out more by reading the Fair Work Commission Minimum Wages Fact Sheet