No 'going rate' for wage rises

Media statement Wednesday, November 9th, 2005

No ‘going rate’for wage rises

The claim that the going rate for wage increases this year is 5 per cent is self serving and not borne out by the facts, says David Lowe, Manager of Employment Relations for the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern).

The Labour Cost Index figures out yesterday showed average wage costs went up 3.1 per cent.

“Our National Wage & Salary Survey covering 35,000 positions also shows the average wage increase this year at 3.6 per cent with middle managers achieving less than their skilled staff. (Detailed results for 30 specific job types will be released on Monday, November 14th.)

“Wage and salary increases in today’s tight labour market are being driven by supply and demand, especially for skilled people, and 88 per cent of them don’t belong to a union.

“The Engineers Unions has achieved settlements at 5 per cent from time to time and accompanied by other changes to assist business productivity.

“Though businesses in general do not want their wage settlements publicised, wage settlements with unions have often been between 3 to 4 per cent.”

ENDS

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