Around 100 people joined a protest outside Harvey Norman in Hobart on May 28 to support the ACTU’s submission for a 3.5% increase to workers through the annual wage review.
Billionaire retailer Gerry Harvey’s company has proposed that any raise to the country’s lowest-paid workers be delayed by six months.
This would amount to a wage cut.
Despite increasing its profits 116% during six months of the COVID-19 shut downs, Harvey Norman has insisted on keeping all the $22 million JobKeeper allowance that was paid to it.
Other employers have argued for no increase at all.
Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary Sally McManus said on May 28 that Harvey Norman doubled its profits from the global pandemic, “benefited from a delay in the last increase in wages and then refused to pay back JobKeeper”.
She said lowest-paid workers needed their 69 cent an hour pay rise.
“Prime Minister Morrison must also stop supporting big business’ calls for real wage cuts – what the economy needs now is people with money to spend.
“For many workers, a 3.5% increase would make a significant difference after nearly a decade of low wage growth.” McManus said the minimum wage needed to rise to help those who need it most — around half of all award wage workers have insecure casual jobs.
Green Left relies on the financial support of readers like you. If you like our work, become a supporter today. Monthly plans start from $5 for the digital edition or $10 for the print edition. Sign up to a monthly plan and get the first month free. Fixed-term plans of three months and up to two years are also available as one-off payments or automatically debited plans. Donations are also accepted. Cheques and money orders can be posted along with this form to PO Box 394, Broadway NSW 2007 Australia. Call our free hotline (within Australia only) on 1800 634 206 to pay over the phone. International supporters call +61 2 8070 9330. Email enquiries to supporter at greenleft dot org dot au.
On 23-24 October Green Left and Socialist Alliance are hosting Ecosocialism 2021, a two-day national seminar discussing an ecosocialist approach to the issues of the day. Panels and workshops, along with in-person and online venues to be announced. To register your interest in attending or if you have a topic suggestion visit Ecosocialism 2021 and submit the form with your details. Email enquiries to info at ecosocialism dot org dot au.
This post was originally published on Green Left.
