Annual Wage Review 2017–18 [2017] FWC 4194

1 Fair Work Act 2009 s.285—Annual wage reviews to be conducted Annual Wage Review 2017–18 (C2018/1) JUSTICE ROSS, PRESIDENT MELBOURNE, 11 AUGUST 2017 DRAFT RESEARCH PROGRAM [1] The Annual Wage Review 2016–17 (2016–17 Review) decision stated that: ‘We also intend to give consideration to the research program for the 2017–18 Review as soon as practicable. We note that the remaining project from the medium-term research program is the characteristics of the underemployed and unemployed. This research may be further scoped as part of the usual practice of consultation by Commission staff with the Minimum Wages Research Group after the completion of this Review.’1 [2] One proposal was received and this has been considered. [3] The draft research program for the 2017–18 Review is attached for comment at Attachment A. [4] Submissions in relation to the draft research program should be made by close of business Friday 18 August 2017 and can be filed electronically at [email protected]. [5] All submissions will be posted to the Commission’s website. PRESIDENT Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer <PR595284> 1 [2017] FWCFB 3500 at.[ 748] [2017] FWC 4194 STATEMENT -- 1 of 3 -- [2017] FWC 4194 2 Attachment A Annual Wage Review 2017–18—draft research program The following items will be published to inform the Annual Wage Review 2017–18 (2017–18 Review). Statistical report This will follow the format of previous Statistical reports, and will be updated throughout the 2017–18 Review as new data is released. Research reference list This will follow the format of previous Research reference lists and will include Australian and international literature, such as working papers, journal articles or other types of published reports relevant to the minimum wages and modern awards objectives. The list will initially cover literature published over the year to March 2018 and be updated throughout the 2017–18 Review. Research reports In addition to the below research, a paper summarising all of the research undertaken for the 2017–18 Review will also be published. An outline of these projects is provided below. Explaining recent trends in collective bargaining: Stage 2 This research expands on the first stage of the report and presents analysis of data from the Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (EEH) confidentialised unit record file for 2016. The characteristics of the underemployed and unemployed As foreshadowed in the medium-term research program, this project will track the changes over time in the extent of underemployment for those who are employed part-time, and its relation with unemployment. It will compare and analyse the characteristics of persons who are underemployed with persons unemployed, including over time. The characteristics that would be considered include gender, age, student status, location, industry and occupation. For underemployed workers, the characteristics for analysis would also include method of setting pay, hours worked and work schedules. It would seek information on the duration of underemployment and mobility to alternative employment states. -- 2 of 3 -- [2017] FWC 4194 3 Characteristics of workers earning the national minimum wage This project will be a descriptive analysis that examines the labour market and personal characteristics of those earning around the national minimum wage using the Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours and the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey. Methods and limitations to undertaking analysis of the employment effects of minimum wage increases This discussion paper will consider methods and limitations in undertaking research in this area and will comprise two parts. The first part will present a review of methods applied internationally and discuss issues and limitations associated with undertaking this research in Australia. The first part of the paper will conclude with a series of questions for discussion or next steps for improved future research in this area to be considered at a roundtable meeting scheduled for early 2018. The second part of the paper will report on the outcomes and be published in April 2018. -- 3 of 3 --