VECCI’s response to the Fair Work Commission’s annual national minimum wage increase

CHIEF Executive Mark Stone says VECCI does not dispute that those on the minimum wage deserve a pay increase but the $18.70 per week increase is significantly in excess of VECCI’s recommendation of an $8.50 per week maximum. 

"Despite acknowledging the weak growth in hours worked, continuing high youth unemployment and a falling full-time employment to population ratio, the Fair Work Commission has again ordered a minimum wage increase in excess of the rate of inflation," Mr Stone said.

"At the end of the day, business foots the bill and this 3% increase must be paid in addition to the further 0.25% increase in the Superannuation Guarantee Levy from 1 July 2014, putting further pressure on those Victorian businesses already facing increased costs of doing business and challenging economic conditions.

"VECCI is disappointed that there was no deferral of the increase in whole or in part for some struggling sectors of the economy such as retail, tourism, restaurants and catering, hospitality and manufacturing.

"Setting the minimum wage is a balancing act but the result must not end up being a barrier for entry into the employment market that discourages employers from taking on people or places existing jobs at risk," he said.

"Higher rates of pay do no good if the jobs that pay them disappear and recruitment opportunities, particularly for young people, dry up."

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The Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is the peak body for employers in Victoria, informing and servicing more than 15,000 members, customers and clients around the state.

www.vecci.org.au

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