Retailers hopeful Fair Work review will see reduction in penalty rates and more flexibility

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) today welcomed the release of five issues papers for the Productivity Commission review into the Fair Work Act.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said wage inflexibility is killing Australian retailers’ ability to compete in the new global market.

“This review will finally address major flaws in the Fair Work Act that are driving up unemployment and undermining growth in the retail sector.

“In order to create more employment opportunities for Australians, retail wages need to be flexible.

“It is also imperative that excessive penalty rates are addressed, as unrealistic penalty rates have made many businesses unviable over the last year.

"Australia’s unemployment rate continues to increase and the ARA hopes this review will allow for greater flexibility when it comes to working conditions, allowing more Australians to remain employed.

“There’s no denying the fact that retailers would employ more staff if they did not have to pay penalty rates.

"However, seeking to be the voice of reason, the ARA is not calling for penalty rates to be abolished altogether but there is a strong need to get the balance right. Only then can retailers operate competitively on weekends and offer increased employment opportunities,” Mr Zimmerman said.

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Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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