40 additional applications have been submitted to the Fair Work Commission.
Approximately 3,000 labour hire workers are set to receive significant pay increases starting on Nov. 1, as part of the Albanese Labor government’s groundbreaking “Same Jobs, Same Pay” reforms.
Prior to these reforms, labour hire workers performing the same duties as directly employed workers were not receiving equal pay.
Under the Same Job, Same Pay provision of the Closing Loopholes laws, labour hire employees can now request pay parity based on the main enterprise agreement for full or part-time workers.
Four Fair Work Orders Issued
Effective immediately, the Fair Work Commission has issued four orders across various industries.
As per a government statement, labour hire workers at Batchfire Resources Callide Mine will see pay increases of up to $20,000 per year.
Workers employed by Australian Country Choice Production, through FIP Group and Task Labour Services, can expect pay hikes of up to 25 percent.
Likewise, labour hire workers at the South32 Cannington silver and lead mine will receive pay raises of up to 60 percent.
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Qantas is in the process of moving 2,450 long-haul cabin crew members from subsidiary roles to direct positions under its main enterprise agreement.
The airline has also committed to supporting two additional Same Job, Same Pay applications, benefiting 800 more workers by aligning their pay rates with directly hired cabin crew.
40 More Applications Pending
Currently, there are over 40 Same Job, Same Pay applications awaiting review by the Fair Work Commission, indicating that numerous companies will be adjusting the pay of thousands more workers in industries such as mining, aviation, and meat processing.
Minister for Workplace Murray Watt stated, “The Albanese Labor government was elected on the promise of getting wages moving, and we are continuing to deliver on this commitment.”
“These workers are performing the same tasks, wearing the same uniforms, and showing up for the same shifts week after week, yet they are being paid significantly less than their counterparts.”
Shadow Finance Minister Jane Hume expressed concerns that these laws would create additional “red tape” for businesses.
She confirmed that the Liberal-National Coalition would conduct a review of the laws if they win the upcoming election.
