25 Jan 2017 | Archive
All sides of the workplace relations debate should wait for the Fair Work Commission’s decision on penalty rates before starting to talk about responses, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said today.
James Pearson, CEO of the Australian Chamber, said: “As our national workplace relations tribunal, the Fair Work Commission has conducted a major review of penalty rates over the past two years. We must now wait for the umpire’s decision.
“The Commission has received more than 150 submissions and sat for 46 days of hearings. It is now undertaking the massive task of weighing the evidence and submissions to determine the claims.
“Finding the right outcome on penalty rates involves balancing the competing interests of several different groups: existing employees, people looking for work, business operators and consumers.
“Employers, including tens of thousands of small business restaurants, cafes, pharmacies and shops, initiated this case to better balance weekend and public holiday wages. This will allow them to trade on more days and more hours, giving them capacity to offer more work to employees.
“Many people find that working weekends suits their lifestyle because it allows them to accommodate their study or caring responsibilities. Young people at risk of unemployment are keen to get a foothold in the job market, often in retail or hospitality. They will all be better off if Sunday and public holiday penalty rates are adjusted and businesses can expand work opportunities.
“Customers have made clear they expect to be able to dine out, socialise and shop across the week. Adjusting penalty rates will allow more businesses, particularly small businesses, to meet the needs of the community.
“There are several key facts that must be remembered in understanding the penalty rates case before the Commission:
“It is premature to discuss legislation to respond to the Commission’s decision on penalty rates. We should all wait for the Commission’s decision and review its approach and reasoning.”
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