Well it's good to see some of you understand where I am comming from. As for those who simply hate me, well, that's life, but know this, unless you go around with your head in the sand, you would realise that we are heading south, and that's a fact.

Don't forget, the next round of super is about to hit. Currently 9% and about to go to 12%. Why didn't some of this rise go to super?

I also noted no one commented on the bosses right to make a return on his extra investment. Typicle!

Have you all noticed how many sales are on now. That's becase bosses are hurting to. WARNING! They will only take so much!

Now let's see, small businesses with 300+ minimum wage earners. Arnots, lite & easy, Golden circle, Bunnings, to name just a few. They do exist and they have all paid additional wages.

Now, someone mentioned CEO's pays.

So, if you own a business, you are entitled to a profit, agree?

If your staff get a 5% pay rise, shouldn't you as well?

If not, why not?

And remember, CEO's jobs are out there for the taking. Remember, each and every COE started as a kid in pre-school, just like you and I.

Finnally, this is not about me bashing low paid workers, it's about whether or not you lot can actually see how jobs are created and maintained and where the driving forces behind job creation, retention and job losses come from. I can assure you all, making employing less attractive is not the answer.

For those who work for someone else, just remember, when you leave your front gate and go off to work next time, respect the fact that you are the beneficiary of some elses risk and, that risk can often outweigh gain, with the result being, game over!

BTW, I no longer employ younger females for that very reason. Nobody helped me raise my kids, there yours not mine. Remember, life is about choices, and I've made mine.

I was raised in the war years when my mother saved every paper bag and every piece of string, My father grew all his own vegetables and chopped wood for the fire to keep us warm. Times have changed and I do not expect us to revert to that sort of living standard, but fridges and dishwashers and mobile phones and air conditioning and plasma TVs and cars and computers and ipods and VCRs and fashions and take-away food are all relatively new "must have" items that we got along without as kids. These things cost a lot to buy and run, so I think we should look at our cost of living in a more comparative way.

"If your staff get a 5% pay rise, shouldn't you as well?"

How about "if your employer's profits go up 5%, shouldn't your wages as well?" because that's how these things are determined nationally.

wobbles> How about "if your employer's profits go up 5%, shouldn't your wages as well?" because that's how these things are determined nationally.

I couldn't agree more! Only, the word 'are', should be replaced with the words 'should be'.

Now just take a walk though any shopping centre and see the amount of '50% off' sales, or, flick through any catalog and see just how much the employers of small to medium businesses have slashed their margins, just to remain in business.

I for one have always thought that wages should be a percentage of profits.

You have a great month, everyone wins.

Now how much fairer can you get!

I ask again wobbles, would you be happy to invest a dollar for no return?

Or, would you rather invest your dollar knowing you would also make a dollar for yourself?

Now be honnest here!

Now on the other had, had the government not pissed away our money, and some, they could have given every low paid worker a $20 per week, 'tax break' and we would all be happy.

Instead, they make employers pay $26 + compo + super, as they all go up inline with pay increases, then, they take about $6 back in tax.

Which by the way came from the employer.

You can all thank your labor supporters for that one.

Anyway, I think I might semi retire at 50 and go and work for someone else a day or two a week. Sounds good.

Gee, I might even get a pay rise, just for being there!

Let someone else invest thier dollar without a guaranteed return.

rehctub I can disagree with you without hating you as you wrote earlier. I don't hate you even though I don't understand why you think the way you do.

When one is in business the costs of investment don't just include physical assets like stock and buildings but the cost of labour. That has to be factored in and it is a level playing field for all business in the same sector given the awards are nationally based. Rises in the award are part of the deal just as an employee's obligations are to do their jobs to the best of their ability, be punctual and be committed to the goals of the business eg. providing excellent customer service.

Rechtub get over that nonsense! people who hate you.
I doubt one contributor to OLO ever hated you.
I do not understand you.
You write like a red neck who dislikes the poor, welfare, some pensioners, and your statement about why you no longer employ women is?
Well mate it puts a view of you out there that repels me.
I do not hate you, or dislike you would gladdy have a beer with you but in truth we would not be happy in one anothers company.
See like it or not I think you have no idea just how much of that wage rise keeps shop doors open and kids eating.
No offense but look at the world from a poor mans point of view.
CEO, known to get 20 or even 100 million dollars a year and you get the boots on for this?