SDA Secretary Peter Malinauskas is disappointed by recent comments made by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull about reducing Sunday penalty rates.
“Time off on weekends is seriously valuable to family members – ask any parent who wants to spend time with their kids when they’re not at school.
“Penalty rates recognise that workers deserve compensation for missing out on time with family and friends.
“The SDA, along with other unions, will be continuing our campaign to protect penalty rates despite attempts from employer lobby groups and the Liberal Government to reduce them,” said Peter.
Peter adds that penalty rates make up a significant component of the take home pay of retail workers, who cannot afford to have their pay cut.
Recent research from the McKell Institute also indicates that cutting penalty rates will not benefit the economy, particularly in regional Australia.
Key findings from the report estimate a partial abolition of penalty rates in the retail and hospitality sectors could result in a loss of disposable income of between $18.1 million and $36.1 million per year to local economies in rural South Australia.
Click here to read Prime Minister Turnbull’s comments on penalty rates.