4 April 2018
The latest retail figures from the Australia Bureau of Statistics show that while retail lobby groups were asking for wages to be frozen or even cut in real terms, sales were more than healthy.
In their minimum wage submission the National Retail Association argued that wages should be cut by two percent in real terms because retailers weren’t making enough money.
The Australian Retailers Association wanted wages to stand still, with their submission arguing for a rise that barely kept pace with inflation.
But annualised growth figures for retail turnover in February put retailers well ahead of inflation.
Sales grew in February by a seasonally adjusted 0.6 percent, putting the year-on-year growth in the sector at 2.5 percent – well ahead of inflation.
A reversal of penalty rate cuts and a minimum wage that is 60 percent of the medium wage – two of the key fair pay asks the ACTU is campaigning for and that retail lobby groups oppose – would lead to even stronger conditions for retail business owners.
Quotes attributable to ACTU Secretary Sally McManus:
The latest retail figures from the Australia Bureau of Statistics show that while retail lobby groups were asking for wages to be frozen or even cut in real terms, sales were more than healthy.
In their minimum wage submission the National Retail Association argued that wages should be cut by two percent in real terms because retailers weren’t making enough money.
The Australian Retailers Association wanted wages to stand still, with their submission arguing for a rise that barely kept pace with inflation.
But annualised growth figures for retail turnover in February put retailers well ahead of inflation.
Sales grew in February by a seasonally adjusted 0.6 percent, putting the year-on-year growth in the sector at 2.5 percent – well ahead of inflation.
A reversal of penalty rate cuts and a minimum wage that is 60 percent of the medium wage – two of the key fair pay asks the ACTU is campaigning for and that retail lobby groups oppose – would lead to even stronger conditions for retail business owners.
Quotes attributable to ACTU Secretary Sally McManus:
- “Retail bosses are already pocketing penalty rates pay cuts.”
- “It is outrageous that retail bosses call for wages cuts at all, but to do so whilst business is doing so well is pure greed.”
- “We need to change the rules to restore penalty rates and a minimum wage that is a living wage.”
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