Apprentice Pay Row Looms

4 February 1999

The State Government and plumbing unions are set for a legal showdown later this month, over union claims for a doubling of some apprentices' pay.

In what could set a national precedent, unions have lodged a claim for a doubling of wages for first-year plumbing apprentices aged over 18.

The Minister for Training, Mr Phil Honeywood, yesterday said a survey of employers had revealed 43 per cent would sack existing apprentices if the pay rise was approved.

Mr Honeywood said there would be an 80 per cent drop in the number of new apprentices hired.

``At stake is the livelihood of thousands of young Australians who could lose their apprenticeship. If approved, this new wage structure could easily flow on to many major industries," he said.

There are about 2100 apprentice plumbers in Victoria, and 776 new apprentices are hired each year.

But the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union said the pay rises would apply to less than 20 per cent of apprentices.

The wage case is listed for a hearing in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission on 22 and 23February. -- CLARE KERMOND


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