Wages
Fighting for fair wages and better pay for all workers
Union members are leading the fight for fair wages, ensuring that every worker is paid what they deserve. This section highlights how collective action is securing higher wages, stopping wage theft, and pushing for better pay conditions across industries. Through strong advocacy and negotiations, unions continue to improve minimum wage laws, ensure equal pay, and protect workers from underpayment and exploitation.
Securing wage increases and workplace protections
Unions have won key victories that deliver pay rises and safeguard workers’ rights. Whether it’s securing penalty rates, advocating for better award wages, or ensuring casual and part-time workers receive fair treatment, union members are driving change to improve wages and conditions. Learn how ongoing campaigns are making a real difference in workers’ pay packets.
Join the movement for wage justice
Being part of a union means having the power to demand better pay, fight against wage inequality, and ensure that all workers receive fair compensation for their work. Together, we can push for stronger laws, stop wage exploitation, and create a fairer, more just economy for every worker.
Read our articles below for more information about workers’ wages.
Minimum wage workers share stories of “grotesque” hours and low paid work to support a 5.5% wage increase
May 18, 2022
Minimum wage workers have shared stories what it’s really like to live on low paid work, while Morrison dismissed their frontline jobs as a “stepping stone”.
Minimum wage workers need a pay increase but Morrison would rather see real wages go backwards
May 9, 2022
What does it take to make sure we don’t have to worry about being able to pay the bill at the supermarket or the petrol station? The simple answer: higher wages including an increased minimum wage.
Ready to support a 5.5% wage increase but not sure how? Here’s five things you can say
April 9, 2022
We have been hearing a lot of old disproven excuses from big business and media commentators about why the minimum wage shouldn’t be increased. Here are five things you can say to set the conversation back on track.
What is a living wage? Here’s what you need to know
April 1, 2022
Sticking to the minimum wage on its own simply isn’t enough to keep us out of poverty.
Why it’s time for a 5% increase to the minimum wage
March 31, 2022
Australia’s living standards and wages need to stop going backwards. Wage increases need to more than cover the rising cost of living – we need a genuine living wage.
Cost of living isn’t just a numbers game, it affects real people
March 24, 2022
The numbers are in: you’ve copped a pay cut, and you might not even know it.
The ultimate guide to getting paid what you’re owed
February 28, 2022
The best way to avoid having your wages stolen in the first place is to be a union member.
Three ways to get that bread at work this year
February 24, 2022
Give yourself the working life you deserve
There’ll be no economic recovery without a wages recovery
July 14, 2021
It’s time to face the truth. Our wages problem is because of the weak bargaining power of workers, writes ACTU Secretary Sally McManus
Unions win pay rise for over 2 million workers
June 30, 2021
Over two million workers are set to get a 2.5% pay rise after a hard-fought campaign by Australian unions.