The living wage crisis in Australian industrial relations. (2nd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thornthwaite, Louise
• Is Part Of: Labour & industry. Volume 27:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: 261
• Page End: 269
• Publication Date: 2017-10-02
• Subjects: Work -- Periodicals; Industrial relations -- Periodicals; Industrial relations; Work; Periodicals; 331.05
• DOI: 10.1080/10301763.2018.1442150
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1030-1763

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The recent proliferation in Australia of systematic wage underpayment, or wage theft as it is known in the US, is stripping workers of the 'living wage', once a cornerstone of Australia's industrial relations system. This paper considers the dimensions of this phenomenon and some of the policy recommendations for regulatory reform to reduce employer non-compliance with minimum wage standards. The paper concludes with proposals for other measures that may also help arrest what is becoming a living wage crisis and restore fair and reasonable wages to workers, regardless of employment arrangement or status. 1