Wages Vs Salary

[JC]

I'm a Public Servant so I guess it salary. Unlike most departments, ours has a very strong focus on AWAs (agreed salary package). The conditions are still underpinned by the Certficied agreement (non-AWA) and the public service award. But it means that where before, every person at a particular level earnt the same as every other perosn, AWAs pretty much turn that on its head so that no two people earn the same, and we actually have the situation where some people at lower levels are earning more than the people supervising them (specialist skills, etc)!

So everything is changing. Being on salary in the PS is not what it used to be, but as long as you are happy with the arrangement you have (wages, salary or AWA), then isn't that all that matters? I'm earning about 20% more than if I was not on an AWA, and with no reduction in benefitsd/entitlements (yet!). Plus I get up to a 20% performance based bonus each year which I also would not get (though 10% is the realsitic target).

[Mechan1k]

Originally Posted by svo347

I too have gone from wages to salary..
Personally I dont mind it, We dont do overtime etc here so penalty rates dont really apply to me, mind you i work an 84 hr week.

That's 12 hours a day 7 days a week.

What else do you do ... just sleep.

I have work similar hours though ... but I work 2 jobs though.

[Mechan1k]

I work for Optus in Sydney ... I am on Salary ... I get paid fortnightly which is nice ... and i still get all of my shift allowances ... and I also get a few days off a week too.

Which allows me to work for Australian National Couriers on my days off from Optus .. I get paid bi-monthy (not fortnightly) ... and i get paid either hourly or per job ... it depends on what sotr of jobs I do though.

I am busy ... but I get paid OK ... wouldn't mind more money ... but i really can't complain ... plus with my courier job being a sub-contractor ... I claim everything on my ute back on tax ... choice

[Mechan1k]

Originally Posted by Sagerian

You should put that money into investment property. It's still safe as houses (no pun intended).

I'm pumping extra into my super at the moment and chuck it at high risk investments.

Once I'm done with my travelling bug in maybe 4 years, I'll get ready for investment property.

I decided to take the plunge and buy property ... to live in though ... but noy your average 1/4 acre block though ... I went and bought 10 acres with a dual-occupancy house on it ... but i know in at least 10 years time ... the value of that place will increase a heap .. seeing as more and more people are move out around the Richmond area and further.

I really want it to live in for the rest of my life ... but if i need to sell it ... I know I will get a good return on it.

[BF MKII UTE]

Thanks everyone, some really good points to look in to.

[svo347]

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

That's 12 hours a day 7 days a week.

What else do you do ... just sleep.

I have work similar hours though ... but I work 2 jobs though.

Yep but as stated mate, 2 weeks on 1 off, FI/FO mining industry

[Tornado]

I'm on a salary, plus I get 10% super, an oncall allowance, overtime for project work(1.5x and 2x hrly rate), family health cover, home office, mobile and ISP charges paid for and I also work flexi hours. The office I work in also allows work from home so I tend to work from home atleast one day per week.

[Gabbs]

Ive been on salary for about a month now. Ive found it easier to save but what sucks is that you can do a 60 hour week and not get any more pay out of it. Oh well another few more months and ill get a pay rise anyway.

[parawolf]

I've been on salary ever since I finished with university. I couldn't be happier. I know some people earn a lot more on 'wages' or in the IT industry its more like contracting. It's where the "BIG" money is if you are technical, however a contract is usually 6 - 12 months if you are lucky. Out of that money $75 - 140 an hour (depending on your skills and the project length) must come your sick leave, annual leave, tax, super, etc to compare it favourably with a salaried position. But usually you end up on top by about 25%.

I don't have the personality to do contractual work - which is a lot of - keep your mouth shut and do the work. I like to have input and for project direction and business direction.

[Yummy Mummy]

I'm on a salary package (plus bonuses), get paid monthly (which sucks) and work over 40 hours a week with no overtime. In saying that, the perks are better than wages, ie. the car, fuel card, and have just been given a laptop so if I do need to work extra hours I now have the flexibility of taking it home.

My staff are on salary as well, but it is kind of like a wages arrangement. They get paid overtime if they choose to claim it, get paid fortnightly, but still with the benefits of sick leave, super etc. With their bonuses and overtime, some months they can earn more than me. THAT SUCKS!! I'm the boss, I'm supposed to be paid more for sitting on my **** and telling them what to do!

[Marlin_Girl]

AAAAAAHHHHHHH! They are trying to make me shift from wages to salary now:(:(:(:(:(:(
They're offering me more than the award but it's still $80 less a week after tax than what i'm on now. And i'm getting super on casual anyway! I worked out also that even after all the sick pay and holidays add up i'm still gonna get ripped off 2 grand for the year.

Oh, and it's time in lieu even though it is definate that i'll be doing more than 38hrs a week... probably more like 50hrs including work on weekends when ships come in. I want overtime!!

They wont pay me for kilometres either!!!!!!!!!! wtf!

I'm allowed to refuse... right??

[4.9 EF Futura]

Originally Posted by Marlin_Girl

I'm allowed to refuse... right??

In this country, yes. What are they offering, an AWA??

Time in lieu... is that like flexitime??

I wouldnt think its ripping you off. Sick pay and annual leave are quite valuable and explain why the offer on the table is lower. i.e. getting paid next time you come down with the flu is pretty valuable IMO - as opposed to having a day's less pay in the packet.... but still, AFAIK you're entitled to refuse the offer.

[NAK302]

Originally Posted by Marlin_Girl

AAAAAAHHHHHHH! They are trying to make me shift from wages to salary now:(:(:(:(:(:(
They're offering me more than the award but it's still $80 less a week after tax than what i'm on now. And i'm getting super on casual anyway! I worked out also that even after all the sick pay and holidays add up i'm still gonna get ripped off 2 grand for the year.

Oh, and it's time in lieu even though it is definate that i'll be doing more than 38hrs a week... probably more like 50hrs including work on weekends when ships come in. I want overtime!!

They wont pay me for kilometres either!!!!!!!!!! wtf!

I'm allowed to refuse... right??

yes you can.
you can even get another job that suits yourself better.

[Marlin_Girl]

Ahhh ok i'm calm now. They made a mistake on the original offer- it's much more comparable now! Breaks even now if i take off the 6 weeks holiday+sick leave in both instances.

I'm going to think about it...

[BF MKII UTE]

Well it took a lot of back and forward bargaining but we both got what we're happy with.
I got what i wanted as a base salary plus a BA Mk2 Ute for full personal use in exchange for my lost RDO's. Overtime will be a TOIL agreement.

[lang_tu_syd]

Sorry of digging old thread back, just need an answer for my question relating ot this thread.

People on salary package, have to work a certain number of hours per week, say 40 hours, if they work less than 40 hours, do they still get the same amount of money or it get deduted from their pay?

[Stattic]

what a useless thread mine

[CHEETR]

to answer his question... if they work more hours no they dont get paid.

im on 45k plus commisions based on a 40hour week, although i work mostly nothing less than 60hours a week to which i still get teh same money.


when i average it out though, the money is good for the hours i work, but for the ones who dont get commisions i feel very sorry for.
if they work less than 40hours, yes its deducted unless its anual leave or sick leave or something.

[sgt_doofey]

No, you won't be deducted pay if you work less than the prescribed 40 hours. You will probably be expected to make up that time later on.

[Mr Hardware]

Yeah sgt doofey is right. Different workplaces have different rules - i know at my work we can accrew time and take it off at a later date, is awesome.

[BLUEYBA]

I'm on salary and I would stay on wages unless the money on salary covers all the overtime you currently get paid for. On salary there is no overtime or penalty rates. you do it for the love oh and the job.
Plus being paid monthly is a pain especially with a family

[The G6ET Spot]

Would have needed an Archeologist to dig this thread up.

[DJR-351]

Originally Posted by BLUEYBA

I'm on salary and I would stay on wages unless the money on salary covers all the overtime you currently get paid for. On salary there is no overtime or penalty rates. you do it for the love oh and the job.
Plus being paid monthly is a pain especially with a family

WRONG!! it all depends on the industry you are in...

I am on a salary, and depending on the specific job, i am paid both overtime (double time) and allowances, also we are paid fortnightly...

[MITCHAY]

What's funny is I'm still working at the same place as the last time I posted :

Having been on salary and seeing them both, definitely salary all the way. Consistent pay!

This job I have been offered (pending security clearance) is $43163 base + 15.4% super + 15-150% penalties + 1-5% bonuses for 36.45hrs

[lang_tu_syd]

Originally Posted by RAPID XR8

Would have needed an Archeologist to dig this thread up.

Haha, i've found this thead in a google search, as i'm already a member, why not say hi to people on this sub-forum.

So far, there are only 2 people answered my question:

"People on salary package, have to work a certain number of hours per week, say 40 hours, if they work less than 40 hours, do they still get the same amount of money or it get deduted from their pay?"

One said yes, it will be deducted if you work less, the other said no. Need more definite answer than that. Anyone is an expert on this?

[Fev]

Originally Posted by DJR-351

WRONG!! it all depends on the industry you are in...

I am on a salary, and depending on the specific job, i am paid both overtime (double time) and allowances, also we are paid fortnightly...

I'm currently being paid weekly(after going from monthly, its hard to adjust lol)

Salary paid but i do get overtime and weekend times for events and things i go to.

It's all up to whatever the company is to decide how it wants the money to be paid out and for what type of work and hours.

your best bet is to just ask the company itself if thats why you're asking.

[HLC]

Originally Posted by 4.9 EF Futura

Im on a salary, have been since i finished uni. Used to work in manufacturing before that and was on a wage. With lots of overtime it was good money.

Now i work 55hr + weeks whilst my salary is based on a 38hr week... having said that, putting in the hard yards just got me a 20% payrise so im not complaining. I'd say that anyone who wants to get paid exactly what is owed and isnt keen on putting in the extra without immediate financial reward is not suited to salary...

I also like the focus on ouput (salary) as opposed to time (wage). If i were paid by the hour, i would feel guilty going for a smoke every couple of hours, i wouldnt be able to go to the dentist etc. before coming to work, or go out to lunch for a couple of hours every now and then - all those nice flexible things (NOT flexitime, just flexible)

Im in a similar position, while at uni i was earning wages and it was great when i could put in overtime and whatnot i was raking in the cash and able to save as well.

now im on salary as my roles changed at work once i finished uni, and whilst i put in heaps of o/time that i dont get paid for, im now getting rewarded with a pay rise soon which makes me happy.

also being on salary has helped me get a home loan, i pull the same money everyweek, being a young fella its easier for me to budget now, and job security!

[Powdered Toast Man]

Originally Posted by lang_tu_syd

Haha, i've found this thead in a google search, as i'm already a member, why not say hi to people on this sub-forum.

So far, there are only 2 people answered my question:

"People on salary package, have to work a certain number of hours per week, say 40 hours, if they work less than 40 hours, do they still get the same amount of money or it get deduted from their pay?"

One said yes, it will be deducted if you work less, the other said no. Need more definite answer than that. Anyone is an expert on this?

I'm no expert but as far as I see it when on a salary you are expected to do a certain amount of work more than a cetain amount of hours (depending on job role of course). If you can do this in less hours than your official pay week then your being paid more per hour essentially. Unfortunatley many businesses take adavantage of this and load workers up with enough work in a week that they have to do overtime just to keep up. I've been fortunate that my employer isn't like that.

I went from casual wages to full time salary and my job description didn't change. Sure now I cant work overtime but I can also come and go as I please as far as my hours go (to a degree).

I cant really compare the money of when I was on wages to salary apart from the first year I was on salary. Sure there was no overtime but the effective hourly rate was almost the same as what I was getting on a wage. I'm paid about 20% more nowadays plus get a free phone so I'm not complaining. I'm still not well paid though.

[DJR-351]

Originally Posted by lang_tu_syd

Haha, i've found this thead in a google search, as i'm already a member, why not say hi to people on this sub-forum.

So far, there are only 2 people answered my question:

"People on salary package, have to work a certain number of hours per week, say 40 hours, if they work less than 40 hours, do they still get the same amount of money or it get deduted from their pay?"

One said yes, it will be deducted if you work less, the other said no. Need more definite answer than that. Anyone is an expert on this?

Sorry but you wont get one!!!

I work to an EBA that pertains to my job/position/industry/qualifications only (Im a Ships Officer in the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry), i work alongside a number of others that come under their own EBA's with conditions of their agreements different to mine, but we are all on a Salary (no wages employees here) and work for the same company....

We have on the same ship...

Ships Officers Deck.
Ships Officers Engineering.
Intergrated Ratings (Qualified Deck Hands).

...all three sections have their own agreed salary conditions...(belive me this creates some interesting situations!!)

Just to make it more confusing we also have casuals that are on a salary, they dont get paid annual leave but instead get 20% leave loading added to the pay packet plus the % super payment that permanent employees get....

All the Salary agreements i have been on have been different from each other, so you will find it hard to get a definite across the board answer to your question....

[pauljh74]

I was on a salary with overtime as I was working a longer day, then some management changes resulted in me getting an increased base salary, less hours but no overtime - so less $$$$ overall but a comparable rate - it works out about the same as a I have got since 2007! So it isn't so good a deal.
Just accepted a full time casual position with another company - have to get the formal offer yet and then I figure I will be better off - that's before any overtime. Salary for people on less than $50k is usually for the company's benefit, not the employee's. You might get your work done within your 38 hours/week, but then they just move the goal posts and give you more work.