Bosses cry poor over $17 pay rise
Australia's lowest-paid workers will receive a $17-a-week pay rise within the next 12 months, although employers say they can't afford the additional $1.5 billion wages bill.
Employees on the minimum award wage - such as cleaners, waiters and other hospitality workers - earning less than the full-time equivalent of $731.80 per week will receive a $17 a week increase.
Sydney Morning Herald, May 6 2003