Pharmacy Daily | Award rates set to rise

PHARMACY wage bills are set to rise following the Fair Work Commission's (FWC's) decision to implement a 5.2% increase to the minimum wage from 01 Jul.

The FWC's Annual Wage Review 2021-22 is set to deliver a 4.6% increase to the Pharmacy Industry Award 2020.

A Pharmacy Guild of Australia spokesperson said the organisation backed the FWC's "independence to adjust the minimum wage as determined by the economic data".

"The Guild recommends that all members review their wages in line with the decision and undertake any necessary actions," the spokesperson said.

"The Guild will be providing advice and assistance to members regarding the decision and its impact on their employees' wages."

Outlining its decision to boost the national minimum wage, the FWC noted that "the most significant changes since last year's Review decision have been the sharp rise in the cost of living and the strengthening of the labour market".

"Taking all the relevant considerations into account led the [FWC] panel to award an increase of $40 to the national minimum wage, which amounts to an increase of 5.2%," the FWC said.

"The national minimum wage will be $812.60 per week or $21.38 per hour.

"The panel observed that this level of increase will protect the real value of the wages of the lowest-paid workers.

"The Panel decided to increase modern award minimum wages by 4.6% subject to a minimum increase for adult award classifications of $40 per week.

"The $40 per week increase is based on a 38-hour week for a full-time employee.

"In effect, modern award minimum wage rates above $869.60 per week will receive a 4.6% adjustment, wage rates below $869.60 per week will be adjusted by $40 per week.

"The panel accepted that the approach adopted will result in some, albeit minor, compression in relativities, but decided that that consideration is to be balanced against the need to provide greater relief to low-paid workers in the context of rising cost of living pressures.