Episode 87: Morrison demands workers take pay cuts, voting has started and the 3rd leaders debate

Van Badham and Ben Davison look at why Morrison is demanding that
Australian's accept pay cuts of $2,000 each as he rails against
the idea that wages should keep pace with inflation.


Since Morrison responded to Albo's question on whether or not
every worker should be paid the minimum wage with "it depends"
the focus of the election has been on wages.


Workers in aged care, hospitals and education have all recently
taken action to lift wages, Australian Unions have increased
their minimum wage claim (don't forget to join your union for
better wages and more secure work australianunions.org.au/join)
and this week Albo responded to whether wages should keep pace
with inflation, currently 5.1%, with "absolutely"


Van and Ben breakdown the facts, the evidence and the commentary
on wages in Australia to see what's real, what's spin and whether
there is anything government can actually do to increase
wages. 


Spoiler there's lots governments can do, wage increases don't
automatically create inflation and the people who say "nows not
the time" say that all the time.


Voting has started with pre-poll opening to record numbers of
early voters.  Ben and Van discuss why universal voting is
important and how Morrison is cutting off thousands of
Australian's from being able to vote.  With misinformation
flying around social media and into letter boxes civil society
forums and union sources of information are vital.


Luckily Van Badham is teaming up with Francis Leach, from On the
Job, and Australian Unions to do a 3rd debate watch along TONIGHT
(May 11th).  Thousands of people watched the fun loving crew
during the 2nd debate and this one promises even more good times
and great analysis.


This weeks good news is about offshore wind turbines and coral
reefs and was sent to us by the Communications, Electrical,
Plumbing Union of Australia (CEPU). 


Plus we give shoutouts to our
www.buymeacoffee.com/weekonwednesday Cadre and Extending the
reach supporters.