LABOR WELCOMES END TO QLD APPRENTICE UNDERPAYMENT

Labor welcomes the judgment of the full Federal Court which has finally brought to an end the underpayment of Queensland apprentices.

 

The ruling brings to an end a practice among Queensland employers to pay apprentices nearly $4.00 an hour less than the applicable rate under the relevant modern award.

 

Low wages and in some cases, wage theft and exploitation are among many reasons young people aren’t commencing apprenticeships and completion rates are low.

 

The most recent audit by the Fair Work Ombudsman found that 32 per cent of audited businesses were not paying their apprentices correctly.

 

Compliance rates in the automotive and hair and beauty sectors were a dismal 45 per cent.

 

Electrical services scored only 50 per cent compliance, while manufacturing and retail were not much better with a 59 percent and 60 percent compliance rate respectively.

 

As a result of this neglect and $3 billion in cuts to vocational education under the Turnbull Government, there are 148,000 fewer trainees and apprentices than when the Liberals came to office. There are 46,000 fewer trade apprentices.

 

Is it any wonder? How many parents would encourage their kids into an apprenticeship when low wages are compounded by systemic non-compliance with employers’ obligations?

 

Meanwhile, the Minister for Employment, Senator Cash is only interested in attacking the unions who protect apprentices from exploitation and wage theft.