The SDA and the union movement are calling for a 4.5% wage increase for millions of workers on July 1.
With the support of over 5000 members, we’ve lodged a strong submission in the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review, calling for better wages and a genuine living wage.
While interest rates are finally going down and inflation has steadied, many workers and their families are still struggling.
That’s why we’re calling for a genuine living wage for workers that helps address cost of living pressures and improves access to secure housing – whether it’s rental accessibility and affordability or owning a home.
Read our Annual Wage Review Submission for 2025
The Federal Labor Government is also backing strong pay rises for workers for the fourth year in a row. It has filed a submission to the Annual Wage Review arguing for a real pay rise for workers.
What is the Annual Wage Review and when will the decision be made?
Each year, the Fair Work Commission reviews the minimum wage and award wages and decides how much it should increase by on July 1.
The Commission makes its decision based on the submissions it receives from unions, employers, and the government and factors in the current economic conditions.
While the SDA and the Labor Party push for strong pay rises, employer lobby groups consistently argue for little to no increases to your wages.
This decision impacts millions of workers across Australia including most retail, fast food and warehousing workers.
It flows through to many Enterprise Agreements that have wage increases linked to this decision.
The Fair Work Commission will hand down its decision in late May or early June with any increase applying from 1 July.
