There are 26 applications before the AIRC to vary rates of pay and monetary allowances contained within transitional awards and monetary allowances contained within pre reform awards.
These applications follow the decision of the Australian Fair Pay Commission (AFPC) to adjust minimum rates within pay and classification scales on 1 October 2007. This decision was announced on 5 July 2007 and are intended in large part, to reflect the decision of the AFPC.
The ACTU urges the Commission to differ from the AFPC's decision in one respect. The applicant unions and the ACTU do not support a deferral of any increase that would otherwise apply to workers in the agricultural, horticultural and pastoral industries.
The ACTU and union claims are consistent with the Act and are economically responsible and affordable.
It is good public policy that there be, insofar as is possible, uniformity of remuneration for work of a similar or the same nature.
The ACTU argues that it is appropriate that the AIRC continue to adopt, where not barred by statute, the wage setting principles previously applied by the AIRC.
Notwithstanding, the ACTU submits that any reluctance on the part of the Full Bench to grant an increase in wages or allowances within a 12 month period should be overcome by the weight of the exceptional and unusual circumstances that apply to these proceedings.