print :

2017-03-24

penalty rates

Penalty rates: employers test the waters

Although the recent cuts to penalty rates initiated by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) are aimed primarily at employees in retail and hospitality industries, there is no doubt that they will encourage employers in other industries to attack such payments. 

Take, for example, the case of private health care provider, Sonic Health Plus, which is currently negotiating a new Enterprise Agreement (EA) with its nursing staff. 

The company is proposing a cut in Sunday penalty rates of at least a third. While Nurses Union negotiators have rejected the claim, there is no doubt that employees in less unionised sectors will be increasingly be threatened by such moves.       

ACTU President Ged Kearney said that it was no coincidence that Sonic Health Plus had proposed the claims just a few days after Prime Minister Turnbull said he supported the penalty rate cuts.

“This is a sign of the times,” she said.

“The Fair Work Commission decision to cut penalty rates has emboldened employers and no Australian worker is safe unless the Government steps in now.”

What's New

Telecommunication

Telstra's Pay Offer
Telstra EBA 2018
ACTU turns 90
May Day 2016
Optus EPA approved
Telstra EA Update
Optus award update

Postal

Reps training
Reasonable overtime
Vale Jojie Vivar
Changes to Bulletin
Christmas pay rises
Postal reform
Facebook bullying
Year in review
Vale Jim Armstrong

News

Happy New Year
Happy New Year
Vale Shane Morse
Meeting reminder
Coronavirus Update
METRO RALLY
Reps training
ACTU turns 90
Vale Jojie Vivar
May Day 2016
Facebook bullying
May Day 2015
Working In Heat
Your Union Petition
Save our Posties
Sensis Sell Off
""