Despite both trading well, the contrast between two major retail chains who have announced profits this week is significant when it comes to how their workforce is treated.

A union representing many low paid workers, especially in the retail sector, has described this week’s 50 cent increase in the minimum wage to $13.50 as “pathetic”.

Briscoe store workers who helped their company achieve good profits are looking for more of that wealth to be shared in current wage talks, their union said today.