The 2008 State Wage Case

The State Wage Case is held pursuant to section 50A of the Industrial Relations Act, 1979.  This obliges the Commission before 1 July in each year to make a General Order setting the minimum wage under the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act, 1993 for employees over the age of 21, for apprentices and for trainees. The General Order also adjusts rates of wages paid under State awards.

Last year the 2007 State Wage Case resulted in an increase of $24.00 per week effective 1 July 2007. The Reasons for Decision and General Order and Order can be read here.

The 2008 State Wage Case will be heard and determined by 5 members of the Commission: Chief Commissioner Beech, Senior Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Scott, Commissioner Wood and Commissioner Harrison.

Procedural history

The application (Application No. 115 of 2007) was created on the Commission’s own motion on 15 October 2007. The Registrar published the Notice in The West Australian newspaper on 8 and 12 March 2008. The Notice can also be viewed on the Commission’s website. Any person who wishes to appear and make a submission at the hearing should notify the Registrar of the Commission stating the basis of their interest by Friday, 25 April 2008. Any person who wishes to make a written submission and not appear should do so in writing or by email by Friday, 25 April 2008. The hearings for oral submissions are scheduled for 19 and 20 May 2008, and the rest of that week if necessary.

Who is covered by the 2008 State Wage Case General Order?

The General Order to be issued will apply to those employers and employees covered by the WA industrial relations system. A list of those Awards that will be affected can be found here. To find out if you are covered by one of these Awards, or for further information on your employment conditions please contact Wageline on 1300 655 266. There is more information about the coverage of the State industrial relations system here.

Documents online

Documents relating to the 2008 State Wage Case can be accessed from the quick links to the right of this page.

The Hearing

The hearing will be webcast and can be viewed from this page. The Minister for Employment Protection, Trades and Labor Council of WA, Australian Mines and Metals Association, Inc., and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA, Inc. (and any persons who have registered their interest with the Registrar in accordance with the Notice) will make oral submissions at the hearing. Transcripts of the hearing will also be made available on the website.