The Australian Council of Trade Unions is pursuing a 5% wage increase for award-reliant workers, arguing that the current national minimum wage falls $262 per week short of what's needed for a healthy living. ACTU Secretary Sally McManus contends that the pay rise for the lowest 23% of workers would have no impact on inflation as it represents less than 1% of the national payroll, while small business groups express concerns about affordability. Award-reliant workers remain 4% behind their 2021 purchasing power due to previous inflation spikes.

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