New ASU report shows why 5.5% pay increase is urgently needed 

Date: 14/06/2022

BREAKING: Australian Services Union’s new “Feeling the Pinch” report shows why a wage increase is urgently needed.

You can find the full report here.

A major survey of ASU members has revealed the real toll the cost of living crisis is having on workers in clerical, administration and call centres.

Following 18 months of declining real wages, our report released today shows:

• 7 out of 10 surveyed said that the past year has left them ‘worse off’ or ‘much worse off’ financially.
• Only 7% of survey respondents feel they are living comfortably on their present income.
• Three in 10 respondents have foregone health care in the past 12 months because they can’t afford it.
• Nearly half (48%) feel that they are just ‘coping’ and 43% are finding it either ‘difficult’ or ‘very difficult’ on their present income.

Private sector wages simply aren’t keeping up.

“The result of this wage crisis is families going without essentials like food and health care, workers selling their possessions to get by, and if nothing changes, we will see businesses suffer too as thousands leave their employers,” Emeline Gaske, ASU Assistant National Secretary said today.

That’s exactly why the ASU is fighting for a 5.5% increase in the National Wage case. We need wages that can be relied on.