Workplace Relations update – Fair Work Commission increases minimum wages by 2.4%

By Herbert Fischbacher, Principal, MST Lawyers

The Fair Work Commission’s minimum wage panel decision on 31 May 2016 increased award minimum wages by 2.4%. 

The decision lifts the federal weekly minimum wage from $17.29 per hour ($656.90 per week) to $17.70 per hour ($672.70 per week). 

The increase to minimum wages will take effect from the first full pay period commencing on or after Friday, 1 July 2016.

All employers, including businesses who are party to a registered agreement (e.g. certified agreement, collective agreement, enterprise agreement, AWA or ITEA), must ensure that employees’ base rates of pay meet or exceed new minimum rates of pay.

MST Lawyers offers an Annual Updater Service to assist employers that are uncertain how to calculate the new minimum wage rates that apply to their workforce. Click the following links for further information regarding the Annual Updater Service and the 2016 wage increase. 

Further information is available from our Employment Law and Workplace Safety team by email workplace@mst.com.au or by telephone Ph: +61 3 8540 0200.