October 31st 2024.
Starting from this payday, over 3000 hardworking Australians will finally see a significant increase in their salaries. This is all thanks to the Albanese government's 'Same job, Same pay' laws, which have officially come into effect today. These changes, which were passed last year, aim to close a legal loophole that has been unfairly taking advantage of workers employed by labour hire companies. It's about time that these workers, who have been doing the same job as their colleagues at the host employer, receive fair compensation for their hard work.
This new legislation will have a direct impact on industries such as mining, aviation, warehousing, and meat processing, which heavily rely on labour hire companies. One of the first groups to reap the benefits of this change is the 800 domestic Qantas flight attendants. They can expect a pay rise of up to 28%, which will be backdated from today and reflected in their next paycheque. This news has been welcomed with open arms by CTU Secretary Sally McManus, who believes that these wage increases will be life-changing for the flight attendants and their families.
She also commends the Albanese Government for standing strong against big businesses who fought hard to prevent these laws from being passed. Notably, CEOs like Alan Joyce have been vocal about their opposition towards these changes. In addition to the salary increase, Qantas has also agreed to bring 2,450 long-haul cabin crew, who were previously employed via labour hire, into direct employment. This means that they will now receive the same pay and entitlements as their colleagues who are directly employed by the company.
But it's not just the aviation industry that will see a positive impact from these laws. Around 320 labour hire workers at the Batchfire Callide mine in Queensland will receive an incredible $20,000 increase in their yearly salary, thanks to an order issued by the Fair Work Commission. Similarly, workers employed by two labour hire firms at the Australian Country Choice Production meatworks in Queensland can expect a pay rise of up to 25%. These changes will also benefit the hardworking individuals at the South 32 Cannington silver and lead mine near Cloncurry, who are anticipating a pay increase of up to 60%.
This is only the beginning, as thousands more Australian workers are expected to benefit from these new laws. In fact, there are currently over 40 'Same job, Same pay' applications before the Fair Work Commission, waiting to be processed. However, there is a concern that if the Coalition is elected next year, they may attempt to repeal this legislation. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has been openly against these changes, creating uncertainty for the future of these laws. Mining and Energy Union president Tony Maher has already expressed that unions are gearing up for a battle with the Coalition if they do try to overturn these changes. The Coalition has not yet announced their plans for this legislation, should they be elected.
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