Fair Work Delivers Pay Boost for Transport and Logistics Workers

10 Jun Blog

Truckies and transport workers across Australia are in for a welcome financial boost, with the Fair Work Commission confirming a 3.5% increase to the national minimum wage, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. This increase lifts the hourly minimum wage to $24.95, or $948 per week, an extra $32.10 in workers’ pockets. The change applies to both award-free employees and those covered by a broad range of transport and logistics-related modern awards.

Awards affected include the Road Transport and Distribution Award 2020, Road Transport (Long Distance Operations) Award 2020, and others across storage, clerical, vehicle repair, and manufacturing. Employers are urged to review their enterprise agreements to ensure compliance. According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, over-award payments must not offset entitlements like penalties or loadings unless a formal agreement is in place.

This wage increase brings a much-needed morale and financial boost to thousands of workers keeping the country moving. As the Queensland Trucking Association notes, junior, trainee, and apprentice wages will also rise proportionally, an encouraging step forward for the future of Australia’s logistics sector. Some transport companies already doing it tough may struggle due to the increased wages. Hopefully the increase will attract more young people to the industry.