Sunday penalty rates decision tomorrow - ARA

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been informed by the Fair Work Commission that the Penalty Rates decision will be handed down tomorrow, February 23, 2017 at 11am in Melbourne.

Members will be aware that the ARA has been leading the case to reduce the Sunday Penalty Rates under the General Retail Industry Award 2010, from double time (200%) to time and a half (150%).

Following the considerable financial contributions made by retailers and associations including the ARA, Master Grocers Association (MGA) and Franchise Council of Australia (FCA), we are hopeful on behalf of the sector that the decision will be in the industry’s favour.

A positive outcome will increase employment in the retail industry and support economic growth in the overall sector.

ARA Executive Director, Russell Zimmerman and his senior legal team will be at Fair Work tomorrow on Exhibition Street and will be available for comment following the decision.

The ARA wishes to clarify, that despite reports from some media outlets, the ARA was not privy to when the Sunday Penalty Rates decision would be made, nor privy to any content regarding the decision.

ARA regularly conducts general briefings as part of their ongoing commitment to members. The Employment Relations briefing held yesterday broadly discussed potential outcomes and what they could mean for retailers, and eagerly awaits Fair Work’s decision tomorrow. 

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $300 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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