I think it's a very valid point that when you sign on you are given the AWA as T&C's for the job. People would generally sign them coz they want to work there in the vain hope things will get better. You are not thinking you'll need a lawyer to sort out your starting salary. I have a question though, is the company required to show you all current AWA's or just the one they want you to sign ie the lowest one. If they are not is it just a case of "this is what we think you are worth".