2016-09-09
Greens Employment and Industrial Relations spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said that workers and their families across Australia will be relieved to hear that their weekend penalty rates are safe until at least December but that legislation is needed to protect people’s weekend rates into the future. Mr Bandt called on Labor and the Coalition to back the Greens’ call to enshrine existing penalty rates in legislation.
“The tens of thousands of Australians who depend on their weekend penalty rates to make ends meet will today be relieved to hear that they are safe until at least December,” Mr Bandt said.
“However, reports indicate that the Fair Work Commission may be warming to a plan to cut Sunday rates for people working in the retail and hospitality industries.”
“It is now clearer than ever that we must take action to protect people’s weekend rates.”
“Before the election, the Greens announced we will move to protect existing weekend penalty rates in legislation, however Labor and the Liberals have said they will both accept penalty rates being cut by the commission.”
“Labor must join the Greens by standing up for the weekend and protecting weekend rates of pay.”
Mr Bandt has released draft legislation to protect weekend penalty rates and is seeking support for the legislation from all parties and members of the crossbench.
Media contact: Adam Pulford, 0429 109 054