The Australian Industrial Relations Commission handed down its decision on the ACTU's Living Wage Claim on 22 April 1997.

 In essence the decision provides for:

• an arbitrated safety net adjustment of $10 per week,
• a federal minimum wage of $359.40 for a 38 hour week for full time adult employees with these increases fully absorbable against all above award payments,
• variation of both minimum and paid rates awards, and
• any outstanding $8 safety net adjustments granted by previous decisions be available from same date as the $10.

 The decision only applies to federal industrial instruments and should have a minimal impact on the NSW Public Sector.

The Labor Council of NSW filed an application for a State Living Wage Claim and the matter was mentioned before the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales on 30 April 1997. Conferences between the principal parties and Labor Council are scheduled in early May 1997 with a report back to the Industrial Relations Commission on 19 May 1997.

At the mention on 30 April, the Labor Council submitted, supported by all parties, that the Commission deal with the application in two parts:

1. matters arising from the Australian Industrial Relations Commission decision of 22 April 1997 entitled Safety Net Review, and
2. matters not considered by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission but arising from NSW statute, in particular discrimination, pay equity and indirect discrimination. The Labor Council is seeking to establish wage principles in NSW consequent upon the legislative requirements. 

The Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales agreed with the Labor Council's submission and proposed dealing with the State Wages Case Review first. To that end dates for hearing the first issue have been scheduled for 9 to 11 July 1997.

Organisations will be kept informed on the progress in this matter.

C. Gellatly
Director-General