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Issue No. 296 | 24 February 2006 |
Sad Sacks
Interview: Court's in Session Industrial: Whose Choices? Politics: Peter's Principles Environment: TINA or Greener? History: Its Not Just Handshakes and Aprons International: US Locks out Jose' Bove Education: No AWA - No Job Culture: Jesus was a Long-Grass Man Review: Charlie the Serf
Taskforce Shrugs Bashed Teen Worker �Castle Win Keeps Trains On Track �Revolving Gangplank' at Sydney Ferries NSW Councils Short $21 billion
The Soapbox The Locker Room Parliament
For Whom the Toll Bells Unfinished Business Labor Sells Hydro Stop the Hordes Packer Whacker
Labor Council of NSW |
News Apprentices Grow Up
In a decision which moves toward bringing apprentice wages into line with reality, the Australian Industrial Relations Commission has granted metal industry apprentices an increase of $50 a week if they have completed Year 12. Apprentices who have completed Year 11 get an extra $30 per week. "The days of apprentices leaving school at 15 were over a long time ago. Unfortunately, this was not recognised in apprentice wages, and the low wages for apprentices were contributing to skills shortage." AMWU National President Julius Roe said. "It is a terrific thing that something we have argued for so long has finally been accepted." The Metal Industry Award covers more apprentices than any other award in the country so this win will have a big impact on the attractiveness of apprenticeships. "This approach contrasts with the Howard Government "solutions" to the skills shortage which amount to dumbing down and splitting up the trades qualifications and a massive increase in exploited imported guest labour," Roe said. Roe said though the new arrangements would survive for sometime into the era of WorkChoices, the Government's reforms would hinder the future development of skills. "A return to the old rates would only further exacerbate the skills shortage, and be unfair to deserving apprentices." The wage rises will take affect from the first pay period after March 6.
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