Penalty rates are workers' reward
Penalty rates should be their reward for sacrificing a normal life.
Ballina
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IN MY younger years, I was a telephonist in the main truck exchange in the City of Brisbane.
Shift work was the norm for me, weekend work and public holidays.
I was paid good penalty rates which I appreciated very much.
People who do not work these hours miss out on a lot of family events and their social life is disrupted.
Eating and sleeping at odd hours interferes with their digestion and metabolism.
Penalty rates should be their reward for sacrificing a normal life.
The Fraser Coast has many shift workers in the tourism industry and aged-care facilities, as well as emergency services and farming. Business people need to gain from their investments, I realise this, but having happier staff is good for business.
JUDY CLARKE
Maryborough
Originally published as Penalty rates are workers' reward