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Summer 2006

New Data Shows IR Laws are Pushing Down Take-home Pay

A new ACTU analysis of ABS data shows the IR changes are starting to bite into workers’ take home pay with the latest data showing that in the last twelve months average earnings failed to keep pace with inflation for the first time in five years.

Releasing the analysis today, ACTU Secretary Greg Combet said, "many working families are struggling to keep their heads above water and the last thing they can afford is a drop in their take home pay as a result of the new IR laws."

The analysis showed that average earnings in the year to June 2006 dropped in real terms by 1% - that is, working Australians have experienced a fall in average weekly earnings of $11 a week as a result of downward pressure on wages and rising living costs.

"No wonder working families are struggling to make ends meet," said Mr Combet.