30 January 2002
Increases in the minimum wage announced today would be welcome news for low paid and young workers said Council of Trade
Unions secretary Paul Goulter today.
“The CTU supports the decision to increase the adult minimum wage to $8 an hour, and increases to the youth minimums,
although the increases are still not enough,” he said.
The CTU sought an increase based on 50% of the average wage, which would bring the minimum wage to $9.10 an hour.
The entitlement age for the adult rate has moved from 20 to 18, youth rates have moved to 80% of the adult wage and
trainees are now protected by the youth minimum wage.
“Although improvement are still needed, the Government has taken a comprehensive approach over three years,” said Paul
Goulter.
Ends