by Paula Määttä

II. Australia

E. The role of the social partners

In 1988 the overall rate of unionisation was 53 per cent, of which 60 per cent were men and 40 per cent were women. More employees are covered by state than federal awards.

A number of strategies have been devised by the ACTU for the benefit of low-paid workers. These include the introduction of a two-tiered wages system to replace regular full wage indexation. The first tier included a flat-rate wage increase for all workers rather than the customary percentage. This flat-rate form is advantageous for women, as many have low incomes. The second tier included provision for supplementary payments for low-income workers. (ILO, 19--23 Nov 1990, p. 39.)