Report prepared by a conga line of ex and current trade union officials misses the point about penalty rates

PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has responded to a so-called report prepared by a conga line of ex and current trade union officials (suggesting local economies across rural NSW would be up to $111 million worse off each year if penalty rates for retail workers were cut) as having completely missed the point about penalty rates.

Seeking to be the voice of reason, the ARA is not calling for penalty rates to be abolished but there is a strong need to get the balance right so that retailers can operate competitively on weekends and offer increased employment opportunities.

ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said retail staff in regional areas do not usually have the opportunity to work on Sundays.
 
“A lower penalty rate would mean these retail employees would have the opportunity to work extra hours. We cannot ignore the major benefits for all involved, including additional hours retailers will be able operate, if penalties are reduced.

“The ARA is aware that many large retail chains have been closing as many stores as possible on Sundays and public holidays to avoid paying penalty rates. If these stores could afford to be open, they would in turn employ a number of staff on a Sunday and this would not only improve business in country and regional stores but increase employees discretionary spending,” Mr Zimmerman said.
 
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.

ends