Workers who rely on award wages would have their rights to penalty rates and overtime pay protected under one of the first pieces of legislation to be introduced to the new federal Parliament. Source: The Guardian.
The changes to the Fair Work Act will effectively ensure workers paid under awards cannot have their penalty rates reduced in return for a higher rate of base pay if it leaves workers worse off.
The legislation, which the Albanese Government expects to pass, would provide protections for the approximately 2.6 million people whose pay is set by an award.
Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth said on Saturday the Government was responding to cases before the Fair Work Commission that could result in cuts to people’s take-home pay.
“What’s become clear is that we need added legal protection to make sure penalty rates and overtime are protected in our award system,” she said.
“We want to make it clear in law that these penalty rates and overtime rates should be protected because we don’t want people earning less and working harder.”
Peak retail and business groups had applied to the industrial umpire to allow some companies to opt out of providing penalty rates for staff in exchange for a raise on base levels of pay.
In response, Labor put forward a submission to the Fair Work Commission opposing the employer groups’ proposed changes.
Ms Rishworth said women, part-time or casual staff and those under the age of 35 were more likely to be covered by penalty rates.
The Albanese Government had promised to enshrine penalty rates in law if re-elected, building on the sweeping industrial relations reforms it enacted during its first term despite fierce opposition from employer groups.
Federal Parliament will resume tomorrow for the ceremonial opening, with the first pieces of legislation – including the penalty rate protections and reductions to HECS debt – to be introduced later in the week.
FULL STORY
Labor moves to bolster penalty rates and overtime pay protections for millions of workers (By Catie McLeod, The Guardian)
