With the start of the financial year and the first pay fortnight following new minimum wage, award and superannuation increases, UnionsWA today urged all working West Australians to check their pay is now correct.

Meredith Hammat, Secretary UnionsWA said:

“From 1 July 2013 around one in four working West Australians, more than 300,000 people, should be getting a pay rise.  In addition all working people should see superannuation contributions rise to 9.25%.

“Recently the WA Department of Commerce reported that last year it investigated over 400 employers in WA for failing to pay their workers properly.

“Working people need to be warned that some employers fail to pay increases.

“The pay slip for this past fortnight is the one to check closely.

“Employers sometimes just make a mistake, but some try on cash-in-hand work at unlawfully low pay to exploit unemployed or young people.

“Underpay is serious and can signal that other things are not right such as health and safety standards, workers’ compensation or taxation.

“Recent pay rises will particularly benefit the lowest paid in the community.

“From 1 July 2013 the WA State Wage Case awarded an $18.20 per week increase for full time adult workers, making the minimum hourly rate $16.52 or $645.90 per week.  Increases also apply to those employed under WA State Awards.

“Fair Work Australia has awarded a 2.6% increase resulting in a full time adult week wage of $662.20 or $16.37 per hour, which also applies to those paid under Federal Awards. 

“Anyone unsure if they are being paid properly are urged to call the Unions Australia helpline on 1300 486 466.”