Productivity and Labour Relations Minister Yvonne Henderson has called on the Opposition to pledge its support for next week's hearing of the State adult minimum wage review.
Mrs Henderson said the review had been in process for almost a year but now, at the eleventh hour, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry was trying to have it postponed.
"The commission initiated the review last March, when all parties agreed it was necessary," Mrs Henderson said.
"Now the chamber wants the hearing delayed because of the election."
Mrs Henderson said this stalling tactic was a significant indication of the Opposition's real industrial relations agenda.
"The minimum wage would have a completely different significance in a system which did away with awards," she said.
"The minimum wage would then affect thousands more people than the current five per cent of workers.
"In trying to delay the setting of the minimum wage until they think they will be in government, the Opposition is revealing its real agenda of dismantling awards."
Mrs Henderson said any delay in the hearing would seriously affect the workers most in need of a wage review.
"Five industrial commissioners have set aside four days for the hearing. Any change of date now would mean an extended delay in finding another four days when all were available."
"The minimum wage affects only a small percentage of the population, but they are the ones who most need the review - they are currently living on an interim minimum wage of just $275.50 a week.
"They are dependent on the hearing, at which the Government will put the case for an increase of the rate to $325 a week covering people on awards and extending to those not on awards.
"This increase is necessary and the 6,000 people living on less than $300 a week full-time wages have been waiting for it for almost a year."
