ARA calls on Senate inquiry to rectify the BOOT test

THE Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has put forward a submission to the Senate Education and Employment Committee on the Senate Penalty Rates Inquiry regarding Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBA).

This inquiry focuses on the operation, application and effectiveness of the Better-Off Overall Test (BOOT) for EBAs and their relationship with penalty rates across the retail and hospitality industries.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said the current state of EBA’s actually provide more flexibility for employers and employees working within the retail sector.

“The ARA’s submission opposes and clarifies the perceived inadequacies surrounding EBA’s as the current EBA model provides a higher base rate for retail employees,” Mr Zimmerman said.

As retailers continue to face a difficult trading environment the ARA believe the Fair Work Commission need to re-evaluate the unnecessary complications and demanding requirements for the BOOT.

The unrealistic definitions to the BOOT exacerbates the constant challenges retailers face in the ever-changing retail environment, brought on by international competition and significant cost pressures in the sector,” Mr Zimmerman said.

With retailers across the country already facing tough trading conditions and an appeal to the Fair Work Commission’s penalty rates decision, the ARA strongly supports a fairer and more flexible EBA system and improve the BOOT.

To view the ARA’s full submission to the Senate Standing Committees on Education and Employment, click here.

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $310 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 7,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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