The Fair Work Commission in Australia is set to reveal its annual wage review, impacting nearly three million workers. Unions, led by the Australian Council of Trade Unions, are advocating for a 6% increase to minimum and award wage scales, arguing that this is essential for workers facing rising costs of living due to inflation, which stood at 4.2% in April. ACTU secretary Sally McManus emphasized the need to prevent low-paid workers in sectors like hospitality and retail from falling behind. Conversely, employer groups, including the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, argue that a 6% rise could harm businesses, suggesting a more sustainable 3.5% increase instead. The government has called for a 'sustainable real wage increase' to assist with living costs. Economists expect the commission to announce a pay rise between 4.5% and 5%, which aligns with previous trends of modest increases above inflation, impacting about 11.2% of the national wages bill and influencing broader wage claims across the economy.