Labour market stays tight despite surprise drop in jobs
The economy lost some jobs in May, confounding expectations, but the Reserve Bank will likely view it as noise not signs of a weakening labour market.
wage and pension
Wage rise not enough for lowest-paid workers: union
Australia's lowest-paid workers still won't have a liveable income despite an upcoming annualised 3.5 per cent boost in the minimum wage, trade unions say.
Unions hail pay boost for millions of low-paid workers
Workers on minimum award rates will be given one of the highest above-inflation pay increases in history to help redress falling living standards.
‘Sustainable’: push to keep low-paid from falling back
Almost three million Australian workers are being backed to receive higher pay, but the federal government says it must be economically sustainable.
Doctor covering 150 patients pleads for fair treatment
Henry Crayton worked 135 hours in the past fortnight with just one day off, covering 150 patients per shift - and he's not alone in wanting better treatment.
Butchers, bakers and makers better off in the bush
Nearly 100 jobs pay better in country Australia, with 67,000 roles available outside the cities, according to new research encouraging workers to make the move.
Wages slowdown boosts case for more rate cuts
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says ongoing growth in real wages is a good thing, but the RBA will be more encouraged that wage rises are showing signs of slowing.
Doctors baulking at $3k a day to plug mental health gap
Patients in mental distress will face tele-consults as NSW Health scrambles to lessen the impact of two in three public psychiatrists resigning.
Doctors warned ‘aggressive’ tactic will impact families
Families of people with poor mental health will bear the brunt of chaos caused by psychiatrists resigning as experts warn the public system is failing patients.
Cbus-CFMEU bond ‘may not be in members’ best interest’
A review has cleared the board of a major superannuation fund but suggested substantial improvements after intense scrutiny of CFMEU-linked appointments.
Big police pay rise sparks ructions in other wage deals
Police and nurses point to a big pay increase for officers in one jurisdiction while threatening strike action as their wage negotiations deteriorate.
History, maths face axe as unis hit ‘world of pain’
The university sector says it is in a world of financial pain and could cut up to 14,000 jobs as it deals with a forced drop-off in international students.
Light rail to slow to a crawl as union ramps up demands
Sydney Commuters face frustratingly slow light-rail trips as industrial action linked to a wages dispute between drivers and a major private operator heats up.
PM spruiks mining pay rise as wage battle emerges
Unions have warned peak bodies in the mining sector are advocating for industrial relations reform to be stripped back in a future coalition government.
Nurses will defy order not to strike over pay fight
Strike action by nurses and midwives that will have a large impact on the country's largest hospital system will not be called off despite official orders.
Echoes of pandemic as freight woes lift consumer prices
Australians could be forced to spend more on items ranging from confectionery to luxury items and medical goods as a result of global shipping issues.
Premier to pocket $500,000 as MPs handed 3.5pc pay bump
Victorian MPs have been handed a 3.5 per cent salary bump, lifting Premier Jacinta Allan's pay package close to $500,000 a year.
Premier to pocket $500,000 as MPs handed pay bump
Victorian MPs have been awarded a 3.5 per cent salary bump, pushing Premier Jacinta Allan's annual pay package close to half a million dollars.
Deals beyond ‘baseline’ pay rise could fuel budget pain
Several unions want worker pay packets to rise beyond the NSW government's offer, but critics warn going further could hurt the budget for years.
Prime minister set to be paid more than US president
The Australian prime minister is set to be paid more than the US president for the first time in history.
Wages bump unlikely to concern Reserve Bank: economists
A 3.75 per cent boost to minimum wages and awards will deliver a small real gain to millions of Australian workers without throwing fuel on the inflation fire.
Blaming lowest-paid workers for inflation ‘disgusting’
Australia's lowest-paid workers, who will soon receive a 3.75 per cent pay bump, should not be blamed for continued inflation challenges, a minister says.
Wages still outpacing inflation, silver lining for RBA
Workers enjoyed a pay-packet bump in the March quarter but a drop in the wage price index has eased fears wages are contributing to inflation.
Wage review should consider tax cuts: retail bosses
The retail sector wants the workplace umpire to be more conservative as it considers the size of the next annual pay rise for millions of low-paid workers.
Ai Group backs minimum wage increase of 2.8 pct
Business groups want the industrial umpire to proceed with caution on its annual minimum wage call as unions vie for a bigger boost to help workers get ahead.
PM says minimum wage workers ‘should not fall behind’
Lowest-paid workers should not be going backwards and worker pay rises are not at odds with moderating inflation, the prime minister says.
Aged care workers get big pay bump in ‘win for dignity’
Australia's aged care workers are celebrating a substantial pay rise after a years-long campaign their union says will usher a "new era of decency and dignity".
Wages outrunning inflation in win for household budgets
Average wages grew at the fastest annual pace in 14 years in 2023 while just outpacing inflation, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported.
Storm clouds loom for economy as rain, floods take toll
The fallout from severe storms in Queensland could lead to consequences for the economy and budget bottom line, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned.
Teacher pay offer ‘one step forward, two steps back’
NSW teachers are demanding an enduring commitment to higher salaries and reduced workloads as they criticise the state government's four-year pay offer.
‘That is progress’: optimism as wages climb again
Workers feeling the pinch amid inflationary pressures may finally be experiencing some relief, with wage growth catching up to a key cost of living measure.