WHS
23/07/2013 09:01
GENERAL
REL: 0901 HRS The Warehouse Group Limited
GENERAL: WHS: The Warehouse Group implements Career Retailer Wage
Media release: July 23, 2013
Significant pay rises announced as the Warehouse Group reveals the 'Career
Retailer Wage' details
In May 2013, the country's largest general merchandise retail group announced
that by August 2014 it would introduce a Career Retailer Wage for team
members that have completed the full training for their role and have worked
5,000 hours or more - that's slightly more than two years full time. The
'living wage' campaign data was used as a benchmark and the company has now
finalised detailed implementation plans for the first stage of the
initiative, beginning August 1, 2013, representing an initial investment of
about $3 million, with the second and final stage to be implemented in
August, 2014.
The Warehouse Group CEO Mark Powell said that "today, the details of the
first stage of the Career Retailer Wage are being communicated to the team
members who benefit from the change." From August 1 this year, this first
stage will give around 3,800 employees at The Warehouse Group as much as $30
to $65 more in their pay packets each week. Around 200 additional team
members every quarter would thereafter qualify to move onto the rate. "By the
end of this year, about 60% of all permanent team members across the group
will be earning the Career Retailer Wage or higher" he said. "The second
stage, in one year's time, will give a further significant pay increase to
the full Career Retailer Wage level."
Mr Powell said the Career Retailer Wage was a key element of its strategy to
make retail a more attractive career, alongside comprehensive training and a
great workplace environment, where a person's full potential can be realised.
The extra pay will go to team members across all the Group's businesses,
including The Warehouse, Warehouse Stationery and Noel Leeming, in towns and
communities throughout the country.
"As well as making retail a more attractive career, as a major employer,
we're pleased that this positively impacts the wider community, as some of
this extra pay will in turn benefit other businesses and the wider economy,"
said Mr Powell. "It supports our belief that flourishing societies need
flourishing businesses, and in turn flourishing businesses need flourishing
societies - we truly value our team members and the communities we operate in
and we feel we have a responsibility to take a lead, this is tangible
evidence of our commitment to do this."
For further information: Mark Powell, CEO, The Warehouse Group
C/- Gayle Theunissen, Executive Assistant,
Tel: 021 742784
ENDS
End CA:00238855 For:WHS Type:GENERAL Time:2013-07-23 09:01:47
