The Fair Work Commission (FWC) handed down its Annual Wage Review Decision in relation to modern award rates and the national minimum wage today, 19 June 2020.

Taking into consideration the global health pandemic and the ensuing economic consequences, the FWC ordered that minimum pay rates increase by 1.75 per cent.

Members should be aware that the application of the 1.75 per cent increase will be staggered based on the industry and will become effective between the period 1 July 2020 to 1 February 2021.  While some modern awards and the national minimum wage will increase from 1 July 2020, modern awards covering industries that have been harder hit by COVID-19 will have the increase applied in the latter half of 2020 or early 2021.

For members with employees covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2010, the Joinery and Building Trades Award 2010 and the Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020, the 1.75 per cent increase to the minimum wage will take effect from the first pay period commencing 1 November 2020.

Members should be aware that certain modern awards are subject to change on 1 July 2020, in line with earlier decisions handed down by the FWC, and that this is likely to affect rates of pay. We will notify members of such changes in due course.

If members have any questions about their particular circumstances, they can contact the Master Builders Industrial Relations team on (03) 9411 4555.

Read the summary of the decision.

Read the full decision.