Feds waste no time: attack low-waged

Date: 02 December 2004

Any delay in the National Wage Case hearing - as reported in national media today - would result in up to $500 disappearing out of the pockets of the lowest-paid workers in Australia.

The reported moves by the Federal Government to pressure the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to delay the hearings of the National Wage Case next year will hit the 1.6 million Australians who rely on this annual case.

Tens of thousand of LHMU members employed in the hospitality, cleaning, security and childcare industries will be directly affected if the Federal Government has its way, LHMU Assistant National Secretary, Tim Ferrari said.

Hearings on union claims for a $26.60 wage increase would normally commence in January - early February 2005 with a decision issued in early May 2005.

Pressure by the Federal Government to delay hearings till after the May Budget will stall the process for up to 6 months.

If one takes this years increase of $19 as a possible result again in 2005, then a six-month delay will mean $494 will end up in company profits, which are at an all time high.

This cynical exercise should be condemned by all those who profess to be sympathetic to battling workers and their families.

It is hoped the Australian Industrial Relations Commission will reject this ploy to interfere with a process that has been in place for the last 8 years.

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

For further information contact:

Tim Ferrari on 02 8204 7224 or 0425 242 727

For further information

Contact:	Andrew Casey
Union:	Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union
Phone:	8204 7206
Fax:	92821 4480
Email:	andrewc@lhmu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.lhmu.org.au/

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