United Voice lowers standards on penalty rates debate

United Voice today issued a news release referring to a Research study that has produced statistics gathered from rhetorical questions. Naturally 81% of respondents would say they do not think restaurants should get special treatment from the Fair Work Commission – the question is do consumers want to pay more for their dining experience?

Restaurant & Catering Chief Executive Officer, Mr John Hart said “The most popular weekend leisure activities for Australians are shopping and eating out. Both these great Australian activities are under threat because the cost of doing business, particularly on a Sunday, comes at a cost that is probative to business operators. Weekend penalty rates are causing businesses to close on Sundays.”

The wage rates for Australian workers are the highest in the world without penalty rates being applied on top.

“Restaurant & Catering has made a substantial application to the independent umpire the Fair Work Commission to review the Restaurant Industry Award in recognition of the impractical nature of the current Award structure that penalises businesses for trading in core hours.”

Source: Restaurant & Catering, 18 February 2013