New data shows Labor’s workplace relations reforms delivering higher wages

New data released today shows how the Albanese Government’s workplace relations changes have lifted wages for tens of thousands of Australian workers.

The Trends in Federal Enterprise Bargaining report, released by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations today, shows that Australian workers who are covered by a new federal enterprise agreement in the December 2024 quarter have received an average pay rise of 4.8 per cent (AAWI – Average Annualised Wage Increase). 

This is the highest AAWI result since the June quarter 1997 and the fifth consecutive quarter that wages growth in enterprise agreements outpaced inflation.

The report shows that 2.62 million employees are now covered by an agreement, up from 2.21 million employees covered as at 30 September 2024 and 2.03 million employees as at 31 December 2023.

This is the highest number since the March quarter 2014.

Importantly, changes the Albanese Labor Government has made to laws and policy have reinvigorated access to enterprise bargaining, directly contributing to wage increases.

Enterprise agreements are good for workers and good for businesses. Workers get better pay and conditions, and businesses get more flexibility and productivity. 

The increase in number of agreements is testament to the benefits of workplace cooperation our laws have encouraged.

However, continued wage rises are at risk under Peter Dutton and the Coalition, who have said they would review and/or repeal the bulk of the Albanese Government’s reforms.

The full report is available at: Trends in Federal Enterprise Bargaining – December quarter 2024 - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government

Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Murray Watt:

“The changes we’ve made to workplace laws have meant that wages are going up for tens of thousands of Australians.

“By making bargaining easier, we’ve seen more agreements made in the past year than ever before.

“More agreements mean more money in the pockets of working people.

“But Peter Dutton and the Liberals have made it clear that workplace rights are on the chopping block if they are elected.

“We’re finally seeing wages growth outpace inflation and all that progress will be lost if the Coalition get their way.

“Peter Dutton’s cuts to workplace rights means workers will pay.”