A typical Victorian worker on an Australian Workplace Agreement (AWA) earns 23 per cent less than a comparable worker on a collective agreement, according to a study commissioned by Industrial Relations Victoria the Age newspaper reported today.

This is much greater than the 16.3 per cent shortfall for workers nationwide. The gap for Victorian workers is greater probably because of the different industry composition in Victoria. Victoria has fewer well-paid mining jobs and a bigger AWA use in retail, fast food and hospitality.

In 2006 employees on collective agreements earned an average nationally of $27.30 an hour, compared with $25.30 for those on AWAs — a shortfall of 7.3 per cent for workers on AWAs. The AWA shortfall was also greater for women (18.7 per cent nationally) than men (15.4 per cent).

UNITE Secretary, Anthony Main said “this study is proof that AWAs are a tool used by bosses to cut the wages and conditions of some of this countries lowest paid workers.

“This study justifies UNITE’s demand to scrap AWAs totally. No matter who wins the federal election at the end of the year we will fight to ensure that individual contracts are totally abolished.” Anthony said.

If you want to fight back against AWAs join UNITE today. Together we are stronger!

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