‘So out of touch it’s ridiculous’: Aussies react to penalty rate cut

AUSTRALIANS are furious about the decision to cut penalty rates. They’ve unleashed at a policy targeting our lowest earners.

The Fair Work Commission today announced cuts to Sunday and public holiday penalty rates in the retail and hospitality industries. Picture: Lukas Coch/AAP

AUSTRALIANS are furious after it was announced that Sunday penalty rates would be cut, leaving thousands of weekend workers worse off.

The public is outraged at the decision to eliminate double time, with Trace Peterson calling the Turnbull administration “so out of touch it’s ridiculous”.

Maria McIntosh called it “disgusting”, commenting that working class people were the ones who would suffer while “pollies sit in their Mon-Fri job making decisions on something that will never affect them”.

David Archer, from Brisbane, said most of those affected would now have to choose which of the basics the middle class take for granted they would go without — groceries, fuel, bus fare or car repayment.

“Our country is run by a millionaire banker — of course this has happened,” Michelle Smith wrote on Facebook.

The Fair Work Commission, which sets the rates independent of the Government, said the reduction for the hospitality and retail industries was likely to lead to increased trading hours, an increase in the level and range of services offered on Sundays and public holidays and an increase in overall hours worked.

Darwin waitress Kyra Kunkel is one of those affected by penalty rate cut. Picture: Justin Brierty

But Jess Reed said: “Less money paid, means less money spent. What affect will that have on the economy?”

Julie Ruth said the cuts would hit mums who “work part time on weekends and use the money to feed their families and pay bills.”

And she said they wouldn’t be in cafes spending money. “The Government has no idea what it has just done ... There will be not enough money for families who are already struggling to cope, and as for eating out, it’s the first thing to go. The Government has just killed it for thousands of people who are thinking how the hell are they going to live.”

Tyson Young said there was “nothing ‘fair’ about the Fair Work Commission”. Others remarked that the Coalition had just lost the next election.

While some have suggested it could mean an end to the Sunday surcharge, businesses have said they are unlikely to cut prices.

Melbourne retail worker Johannah Donald, 23, will also lose out. Picture: Jason Edwards

David Read said we could expect lower wages and continued charges, in “a double win for the big end of town.”

But some saw the other side. “These days Sunday is just another day of the week,” said Tony W. “They aren’t proposing to remove all penalty rates — but are reducing them. I bet that in 20 years there is zero additional salary paid for working on Sundays.”

BJ Berkley said the change was “a good thing for small business operators. It will allow them to make a living and if they can afford it, it will increase employment. Small businesses are doing it tough with no thanks to Labor and the Unions. Those who are whingeing, just be thankful you have a job!”

Matt Harrowsmith added: “What about small business owners who have to pay these wages? We can’t afford to pay people $36 an hour to do a job they get paid $20 during the week to do! I stand to save $70 to $100 an HOUR on Sundays and we have staff working 12 hours on a Sunday! It’s killing small business! And if small business goes under there will be a hell of a lot of people out of work completely!”