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Fair work decision the start of workplace reform
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The Central Coast ’ s peak business organisation , the Central Coast NSW Business Chamber , believes the decision of the full bench of the Fair Work Commission in its four yearly review of modern awards is the first step in addressing a major issue in workplace relations and politicians looking for short term political gain to prevent its intention should be called out by the electorate .
“ When you read the 550-page decision and consider that the Commission sat through 39 days of testimony from more than 143 lay witnesses and experts , it ’ s pretty clear the outcomes and their intentions were well considered ,” said Central Coast NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager - Daniel Farmer .
“ Something we can all agree upon , is the Central Coast has a systemic ‘ Youth Unemployment ’ issue , and the Commission has found that the current system is an inhibitor to jobs growth . The archaic way to argue this topic is ‘ more money verses less money ’, when in fact , the decision clearly states the modern version of the discussion is ‘ job or no job ’. Put simply , the shifts are less , and the staff numbers are less on Sunday ’ s . If the business doesn ’ t open , no one gets wages regardless of the rates ”.
“ The Commission accepted large parts of the employer argument about the role of Sunday in our modern society and the need to increase employment opportunities on Sunday and Public Holidays . So the umpire has clearly spoken .
“ I think the community will be watching the response from their political leaders very closely . Unlike the Commission , they haven ’ t sat through the evidence presented , yet no doubt will be making all sorts of threats to introduce legislation making this decision irrelevant ,” Mr Farmer said .
“ What this shows to me is that they have no respect for the Fair Work Commission , or the members of the Commission as individuals .
“ The adjustment in penalty rates for Sundays means your favourite local businesses are able to remain open and be fully staffed . Remember when these venues are closed , casual staff not only don ’ t receive a penalty loading , they don ’ t receive any wage .
“ Not only the Central Coast , but Australia has an ongoing problem with youth unemployment and an over-regulated small business sector and I hope this decision allows business owners to have some certainty in their business planning , operations and hiring of staff ,” Mr Farmer said .
The Chamber ’ s advocate , and CEO of ‘ Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors ’, Nigel Ward , who ran the case on behalf of the business community , said he hoped the decision meant businesses can get on with their operations .
“ Businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors face a number of unique challenges , especially in regional Australia and these were presented to the Commission throughout the many hours of hearings ,” Mr Ward said .
“ At the end of the day we all want the same thing – businesses to be thriving with workers rewarded and young people being given their first crack at earning a wage ,” Mr Ward said .
Media Contact : Daniel Farmer – 0414 803 466