Millions Set to Receive 3.5% Wage Boost Following Annual Fair Work Ruling

Australia's Fair Work Commission has announced a 3.5% increase to the national minimum wage, effective July 1, 2025. This adjustment raises the hourly rate from $24.10 to $24.95, translating to an annual salary of approximately $49,296 for full-time workers. The decision benefits around 2.6 million employees, marking the first real wage growth in three years as inflation eases to 2.4% .couriermail.com.autheaustralian.com.au+5reuters.com+5paginasiete.bo+5

Fair Work Commission President Adam Hatcher emphasized the necessity of this increase to prevent the permanent erosion of real incomes due to past high living costs. The wage hike follows a similar 3.75% rise last year, aligning with inflation. The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) welcomed the decision, highlighting its benefit to workers hardest hit by post-pandemic inflation. Conversely, some business groups expressed concerns about increased labor costs, particularly for small businesses .remtribunal.gov.au+14reuters.com+14paginasiete.bo+14theaustralian.com.au

This wage adjustment aims to balance economic sustainability with the need to improve living standards for low-paid workers, reflecting a collaborative effort between the government, employers, and unions.fwc.gov.au+6theaustralian.com.au+6miragenews.com+6

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