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The 'Trends in Federal Enterprise Bargaining' report for October-December 2016 was released by the Department of Employment this week.

Across the country, Victoria recorded the highest annual wages increases of 3.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory with the lowest at 2.3%.

Table 7 of the report is particularly useful, showing the average annual percentage wage increase by industry for enterprise agreements approved during the December 2016 quarter.

This data can help with benchmarking during any enterprise agreement negotiations you have coming up this year.

  • For the manufacturing industry, the average annual wage increase was 2.7% - 0.2% down from the previous quarter.
  • For the mining industry, the average annual wage increase was 2.3% - 0.7% up from the previous quarter.
  • For the construction industry, the average annual wage increase was 5.2% - 0.7% down from the previous quarter.
  • For the electricity, gas, water and waste services industries, the average annual wage increase was 3.0% - the same as the previous quarter.
  • For the retail industry, the average annual wage increase was 2.7% - 1.5% down from the previous quarter.
  • For the transport, postal and warehousing industries, the average annual wage increase was 3.0% - 0.1% down from the previous quarter.
  • For the administrative and support services industries, the average annual wage increase was 2.3% - 1.1% down from the previous quarter.
  • For the financial and insurance services industries, the average annual wage increase was 2.8% - 0.7% up from the previous quarter.
  • For the information, media and telecommunications services industries, the average wage increase was 2.8% - 0.1% down from the previous quarter.

The next report from the Department of Employment will be released in July 2017.

This article was written by Courtney Ford, Senior Associate / Professional Support Lawyer. Please contact a member of Herbert Smith Freehills' specialist bargaining team if you would like to discuss this topic:

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Drew Pearson

Managing Partner, Sydney Office, Sydney

Drew Pearson

Key contacts

Drew Pearson photo

Drew Pearson

Managing Partner, Sydney Office, Sydney

Drew Pearson
Drew Pearson