Ombudsman urges governments to scrap four-day-long Easter public holiday weekend and go back to the “sensible days”   :(
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Smart Company

Small business ombudsman Kate Carnell has urged state governments to rethink their approach to the Easter holiday period, saying the decision by most states to observe four public holidays in a row presents a “really, really difficult time” for small businesses.

Each Australian state observes different trading rules across the Easter period, but in many areas of the country, businesses must pay staff penalty rates across all four days of the upcoming long weekend.


Carnell says this presents “a great dilemma” for smaller shops, whose customers expect them to be open over holiday periods. She says many will struggle to put on the required levels of staff to cope with demand, because the increased wages bill will put pressure on profits.

“For the smaller guys, it means they have four public holidays in a row. This doesn’t happen at any other time across the year. They’re paying up to double-time for these, sometimes double-time-and-a-quarter, and they don’t have the option of closing, because customers want them to be able to stay open over this time,” she says.

Carnell says something has to change.

“Let’s go back to the sensible days, where Good Friday and Easter Monday were public holidays,” she says.

“Generally, state governments have now gone to four public holidays, not even having a scenario where Easter Saturday was a normal trading day.”

This year, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria will observe all four days of the long weekend as public holidays.

However, this will be the first Easter period where smaller employers in the pharmacy, retail, hospitality and fast food spaces will be able to pay workers the lower penalty rate loadings, which came in on July 1 last year after a decision from the Fair Work Commission.

Under the new rules, full and part-time workers covered by the Hospitality, Retail, Fast Food, Pharmacy and Restaurant Awards must be paid a 225% loading, down from the 250% they were paid last Easter.

Casual workers in these awards are paid a 250% loading rate on public holidays.

Carnell believes even with these changes, the Easter period still puts pressure on small businesses. The ombudsman’s office is asking customers to be patient with smaller operators across the long weekend.

“Bear with them, including if your local cafe is charging a surcharge,” she says.

Several hospitality businesses have previously told SmartCompany that they have successfully implemented surcharges on public holidays by explaining clearly to their customers why this is necessary.

“I try and maintain a dialogue with my customers to talk about what the issues are that they have and to try and make sure there’s an understanding about what my issues are in the business.

But its good for the workers. I always used to try to work on public holidays in my younger days. Nobody is going to work if they arent paid more when they could be with their families. the penalty rates are meant to be an enticement.

Spot

People that work weekends and public holidays, should get paid the penalty rates.  They should not have been cut in the first place.  Yes people should get penalty rates for all four days.   :(

Let's hope when Labor romp it in they make the Thursday and Tuesday a PH as well

Its time wrote on Mar 30^th, 2018 at 6:37am:

Let's hope when Labor romp it in they make the Thursday and Tuesday a PH as well

Why would they do that?

Spot

Business manager to get people on casual employment

Business manager to get penalty rates removed

Business manager to get annual leave loading removed.

And now they wonder why people have
ZERO loyalty
ZERO interest in their job
ZERO willingness to give to the company

It will come back to bite them.
People will eventually start only working when it suits them.

This is why the grubberment wants more and more immigration.
This is why business wants more and more 457 visas

They both know that when things pick up, wages will have to increase if they want competent, willing and enthusiastic workers.

And it's gonna cost them.

So the grubberment makes education super expensive in the hope that people will have to work their asses off to pay the debt.

Boy are they in for a shock

Its time wrote on Mar 30^th, 2018 at 6:37am:

Let's hope when Labor romp it in they make the Thursday and Tuesday a PH as well

and what difference will it make to you ya dole bludging arsewipe parasite...?

back in the day... not one shop would be open all Easter Weekend....

but now that these shops want to open... they want to erode workers wages...

over the passed 10 years ish... most workers wages and conditions have been eroded bit by bit... and this is just another grab to punish workers trying to make ends meat... pay the bills... and have a few days off with the family...

don't let the bastards take away the Australian way of life...  >:(

President Elect, The Mechanic wrote on Mar 30^th, 2018 at 11:52am:

back in the day... not one shop would be open all Easter Weekend.... but now that these shops want to open... they want to erode workers wages... over the passed 10 years ish... most workers wages and conditions have been eroded bit by bit... and this is just another grab to punish workers trying to make ends meat... pay the bills... and have a few days off with the family... don't let the bastards take away the Australian way of life...  >:(

Agreed.
You get fug all time off all year and they want to take that now.
Stand united and say NO! The sooner...the better.

President Elect, The Mechanic wrote on Mar 30^th, 2018 at 11:48am:

Its time wrote on Mar 30th, 2018 at 6:37am: Let's hope when Labor romp it in they make the Thursday and Tuesday a PH as well and what difference will it make to you ya dole bludging arsewipe parasite...?

Now now don't be mad Labor are going to be in government for a very very very long time , be a good little scabby dog and enjoy your union won public holiday  :)

President Elect, The Mechanic wrote on Mar 30^th, 2018 at 11:52am:

back in the day... not one shop would be open all Easter Weekend.... but now that these shops want to open... they want to erode workers wages... over the passed 10 5 years ( day libtards won)... Almost all workers wages and conditions have been eroded bit by bit... and this is just another grab to punish workers trying to make ends meat. ;D.. pay the bills... and have a few days off with the family... don't let the bastards liberals take away the Australian way of life...  >:( Vote Labor

Fixed

whiteknight wrote on Mar 30^th, 2018 at 6:14am:

Ombudsman urges governments to scrap four-day-long Easter public holiday weekend and go back to the “sensible days”   :( Thursday, March 29, 2018 Smart Company Small business ombudsman Kate Carnell has urged state governments to rethink their approach to the Easter holiday period, saying the decision by most states to observe four public holidays in a row presents a “really, really difficult time” for small businesses. Each Australian state observes different trading rules across the Easter period, but in many areas of the country, businesses must pay staff penalty rates across all four days of the upcoming long weekend. Carnell says this presents “a great dilemma” for smaller shops, whose customers expect them to be open over holiday periods. She says many will struggle to put on the required levels of staff to cope with demand, because the increased wages bill will put pressure on profits. “For the smaller guys, it means they have four public holidays in a row. This doesn’t happen at any other time across the year. They’re paying up to double-time for these, sometimes double-time-and-a-quarter, and they don’t have the option of closing, because customers want them to be able to stay open over this time,” she says. Carnell says something has to change. “Let’s go back to the sensible days, where Good Friday and Easter Monday were public holidays,” she says. “Generally, state governments have now gone to four public holidays, not even having a scenario where Easter Saturday was a normal trading day.” This year, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria will observe all four days of the long weekend as public holidays. However, this will be the first Easter period where smaller employers in the pharmacy, retail, hospitality and fast food spaces will be able to pay workers the lower penalty rate loadings, which came in on July 1 last year after a decision from the Fair Work Commission. Under the new rules, full and part-time workers covered by the Hospitality, Retail, Fast Food, Pharmacy and Restaurant Awards must be paid a 225% loading, down from the 250% they were paid last Easter. Casual workers in these awards are paid a 250% loading rate on public holidays. Carnell believes even with these changes, the Easter period still puts pressure on small businesses. The ombudsman’s office is asking customers to be patient with smaller operators across the long weekend. “Bear with them, including if your local cafe is charging a surcharge,” she says. Several hospitality businesses have previously told SmartCompany that they have successfully implemented surcharges on public holidays by explaining clearly to their customers why this is necessary. “I try and maintain a dialogue with my customers to talk about what the issues are that they have and to try and make sure there’s an understanding about what my issues are in the business.

She's full of shyte. Whilst big supermarkets & most businesses close on Good Friday(public holiday) they are back to usual Sat & Sun & Mon.

For most of us Easter Sat & Sunday is at ordinary time.

It's their choice if they close for the whole period.

She's just your typical Tory who wants workers chained to the wheel 7 days a week with low pay.

STFU Kate Carnell.

whiteknight wrote on Mar 30^th, 2018 at 6:18am:

People that work weekends and public holidays, should get paid the penalty rates.  They should not have been cut in the first place.  Yes people should get penalty rates for all four days.   :(

Or close the business. That's the point of a public holiday.

Gnads wrote on Mar 30^th, 2018 at 12:59pm:

whiteknight wrote on Mar 30th, 2018 at 6:14am: Ombudsman urges governments to scrap four-day-long Easter public holiday weekend and go back to the “sensible days”   :( Thursday, March 29, 2018 Smart Company Small business ombudsman Kate Carnell has urged state governments to rethink their approach to the Easter holiday period, saying the decision by most states to observe four public holidays in a row presents a “really, really difficult time” for small businesses. Each Australian state observes different trading rules across the Easter period, but in many areas of the country, businesses must pay staff penalty rates across all four days of the upcoming long weekend. Carnell says this presents “a great dilemma” for smaller shops, whose customers expect them to be open over holiday periods. She says many will struggle to put on the required levels of staff to cope with demand, because the increased wages bill will put pressure on profits. “For the smaller guys, it means they have four public holidays in a row. This doesn’t happen at any other time across the year. They’re paying up to double-time for these, sometimes double-time-and-a-quarter, and they don’t have the option of closing, because customers want them to be able to stay open over this time,” she says. Carnell says something has to change. “Let’s go back to the sensible days, where Good Friday and Easter Monday were public holidays,” she says. “Generally, state governments have now gone to four public holidays, not even having a scenario where Easter Saturday was a normal trading day.” This year, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria will observe all four days of the long weekend as public holidays. However, this will be the first Easter period where smaller employers in the pharmacy, retail, hospitality and fast food spaces will be able to pay workers the lower penalty rate loadings, which came in on July 1 last year after a decision from the Fair Work Commission. Under the new rules, full and part-time workers covered by the Hospitality, Retail, Fast Food, Pharmacy and Restaurant Awards must be paid a 225% loading, down from the 250% they were paid last Easter. Casual workers in these awards are paid a 250% loading rate on public holidays. Carnell believes even with these changes, the Easter period still puts pressure on small businesses. The ombudsman’s office is asking customers to be patient with smaller operators across the long weekend. “Bear with them, including if your local cafe is charging a surcharge,” she says. Several hospitality businesses have previously told SmartCompany that they have successfully implemented surcharges on public holidays by explaining clearly to their customers why this is necessary. “I try and maintain a dialogue with my customers to talk about what the issues are that they have and to try and make sure there’s an understanding about what my issues are in the business. She's full of shyte. Whilst big supermarkets & most businesses close on Good Friday(public holiday) they are back to usual Sat & Sun & Mon. For most of us Easter Sat & Sunday is at ordinary time. It's their choice if they close for the whole period. She's just your typical Tory who wants workers chained to the wheel 7 days a week with low pay. STFU Kate Carnell.

Spot on - when I was driving the club bus in Eden, Coles was open until 10 pm on a public holiday (can't recall which one yet) - not a customer in sight (it was a Sunday night I think -must've been Easter or something) - and the manager was crowing about how much per hour he was paid to stand around.  Same with the staff.

Carnell needs to get a real job for a  change and stop living high off the taxpayer's back - never thought she was worth a cracker in the first place.  If ever there was a case of a crony slotted into a nice spot so as to parrot the 'official' line of the government while pretending to be independent, she's it, along with all the other 'commissions' that run around at massive cost in cash and perks to do the job that public servants are doing already.

And remember what I said about the 'balance of powers' and how Howard and Co - and a few Laborites - have steadily eroded the 'power' of the Public Service to give advice founded on experience and expertise in their portfolio, as well as controlling the senior management via contracted employment, so they dare not oppose the 'official' line.  Now it's all 'consultants' - all cronies again - and contractors such as that Commission Of Idiots at the start of Abbott's Downfall, and all just another way to hand taxpayer money to some mates etc.

This what Kate Carnell ascribes to :

---

Remember the years that the 'Workers/Unions' held the Companies to ransom, with Strikes galore across every sector.
Well, hardly a 'strike' anymore. Instead, its swung the other way and Companies are taking liberties with workers, Unions are crap (only good for giving 'cheap Asian' labour more than they deserve) and bullying tactics come thick and fast.

Yes, I remember an Easter Holiday when most business's were shut. Australians loved it.
But now, its mostly the 'retail' sector, that wants to 'cash in' with the excuse that their Hipster clientele need their Café Latte at every corner of a holiday destination.
That people need to leave the big cities, so they can hang out in Supermarkets along the coasts, like they do back in the big cities (nothing else to do).

Companies and Business want to 'blackmail' workers by threatening them with the sack if they DON'T work the Public Holidays without Penalty Rates.
I wouldn't work 'holidays' if I didn't get 'compensated' for it. But of course, now I can be sacked if I refuse. Blackmail.

Back in the day, maybe it was the case that Australian workers 'could refuse' - but with so many 'cheap Asian labour' alternatives out there. Sackings come thick and fast.
It's a double-edged sword though - because of these Cheap Asian 7/Eleven workers being 'crap', why would any business want to pay these sad cases Penalty Rates?

This country is stuffed ...politically.

Gnads...get another job. Your boss sounds like an arse

More anti-Australian GetUp! inspired hypocrisy from the gloom and doom BlackDay parroting some more red rag trash.

What will he be like when the imposter Victorian Labor "govt" is dumped in the trash can in November ?

Jasin wrote on Mar 30^th, 2018 at 1:51pm:

Remember the years that the 'Workers/Unions' held the Companies to ransom, with Strikes galore across every sector. Well, hardly a 'strike' anymore. Instead, its swung the other way and Companies are taking liberties with workers, Unions are crap (only good for giving 'cheap Asian' labour more than they deserve) and bullying tactics come thick and fast. Yes, I remember an Easter Holiday when most business's were shut. Australians loved it. But now, its mostly the 'retail' sector, that wants to 'cash in' with the excuse that their Hipster clientele need their Café Latte at every corner of a holiday destination. That people need to leave the big cities, so they can hang out in Supermarkets along the coasts, like they do back in the big cities (nothing else to do). Companies and Business want to 'blackmail' workers by threatening them with the sack if they DON'T work the Public Holidays without Penalty Rates. I wouldn't work 'holidays' if I didn't get 'compensated' for it. But of course, now I can be sacked if I refuse. Blackmail. Back in the day, maybe it was the case that Australian workers 'could refuse' - but with so many 'cheap Asian labour' alternatives out there. Sackings come thick and fast. It's a double-edged sword though - because of these Cheap Asian 7/Eleven workers being 'crap', why would any business want to pay these sad cases Penalty Rates? This country is stuffed ...politically.

At least you appreciate that it's about balance, and not just any complaint by a Union or an employee is some uppity Niqqer getting out of control and in need of chastisement, and that a minimum of 50% of the problems arise from management etc.

Every pissy little coffee shop owner a minor Gauleiter in his own right - just ask him.

One day, you mark my words - there will be a management massacre by a disgruntled employee or ex-employee - and the face of 'industrial relations' in this nation will be altered forever.  That's one thing the US has got over us..... the willingness of the oppressed to rise up in righteous wrath and smite the evil-doer.

My son is raking it in as an RN over Easter. You go boy!

Or we could have no nurses turn up for four days and stay at home like the business ombudsman will. Then the body count would rise. Are you willing for one of them to be your family?

Well, I got paid 8.5 hours for the 4.25 hours I worked today. I hardly get work hours these days, so I am not complaining.

Setanta wrote on Mar 30^th, 2018 at 10:16pm:

My son is raking it in as an RN over Easter. You go boy! Or we could have no nurses turn up for four days and stay at home like the business ombudsman will. Then the body count would rise. Are you willing for one of them to be your family?

Well spoken.... can't recall when I was working when I actually had a public holiday with my family... always on the run ... not that I complain.... just stating facts....

UnSubRocky wrote on Mar 30^th, 2018 at 11:54pm:

Well, I got paid 8.5 hours for the 4.25 hours I worked today. I hardly get work hours these days, so I am not complaining.

Sign of the times and a severe criticism of government policy these days..... vote against the whole lot of the bastards next time around...... not one worth a cracker.

March 29 2018 Ballarat Courier.
Ballarat Easter long weekend: public holiday surcharges to bite



Eating out this Easter Weekend might be pricier than ever, with more Ballarat cafes and restaurants adding a public holiday surcharge.   :-?

A number of Ballarat establishments have elected to charge an additional 10 to 15 per cent on orders, which the city’s major business group says is a response to public holiday wage rates.

Some businesses charging a surcharge declined to make comment to The Courier, as they felt current discussion around penalty rates was too inflammatory.

Full-time and part-time employees in fast food and hospitality had their public holiday pay reduced from 250 per cent of standard hourly rate to 225 per cent from July 1, following a Fair Work Commission Decision.

In Victoria this year, Good Friday, and Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday are all considered public holidays.



Commerce Ballarat executive officer Jodie Gillett said an additional surcharge was the only option for some businesses to keep doors open and be able to pay four days of penalty wages.

“In order to open this weekend they may need to charge you a levy, and as residents we need to pay that happily,” she said.

“To pay two and a half times the base hourly rate for four days in a row, if you ask anyone else in business if that would be feasible, I’m sure they would say no.”


While surcharges on Sundays and public holidays are legal, Consumer Affairs Victoria states the menu must include what percentage surcharge will apply and be displayed as visibly as the most prominent price on the menu, or penalties apply.

The alternative, Ms Gillett said, was Ballarat cafes closing and fewer food options for holiday makers, causing the city’s tourist reputation suffer over the long weekend

“We think it’s a really difficult situation.”

Even those looking for a fast food fix this weekend will be out of luck, with franchises Dominos and Pizza Hut charging extra.

Ballarat Trades Hall secretary Brett Edgington told the Victorian Parliament’s inquiry into penalty rates and fair pay last week there is a ‘black economy’ operating.

He said that some Ballarat businesses fail to pay public holiday rates, but collect a public holiday surcharge.   :(

“It means bosses in retail or tourism pocket the money on holidays without a net benefit to workers,” he said. “The more you pull out of disposable income, the less activity you'll have in those places.”

Why is it the Leftards hate Christianity but still expect penalty rates for Christian public holidays?

Penalty rates should be paid for all public holidays.   :(

Mr Hammer wrote on Mar 31^st, 2018 at 6:27am:

Why is it the Leftards hate Christianity but still expect penalty rates for Christian public holidays?

One of these days, we will count up the number of public holidays we have each year, and then evenly distribute them over the months. First day of the year. Then Australia Day. Then mid-Autumn public holiday -- one in March, one in April. Have a holiday in June. One in September. Then they can make a couple in December, without referencing the Christmas or Boxing Day festivities. We shall let the 2% of Australians that still give a damn about the bogeyman's existence to celebrate on the 25th and 26th.

Karnal wrote on Mar 30^th, 2018 at 12:59pm:

whiteknight wrote on Mar 30th, 2018 at 6:18am: People that work weekends and public holidays, should get paid the penalty rates.  They should not have been cut in the first place.  Yes people should get penalty rates for all four days.   :( Or close the business. That's the point of a public holiday.

Almost everyone closes on Easter Friday ?

The major impacted industry no longer have to pay proper penalty rates on any normal weekend.

The vast majority of businesses who have a business case incentivising them to open will be making many times their normal profits.

Businesses who have no business case to open on public holidays should not open.

Thanks for the long weekend unions  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

In two years I will be retiring.

Govco will no longer ROB me of over 30% of my income every year.
Govco will notice that no longer will they get a massive cut of my consultancy.
Govco will notice that I will be demanding my dues that I have been paying for, for over 45 years.

Initially, I will live solely off my super.
This will allow sufficient depletion of these funds to give me access to a part pension and all the associated benefits.

I will be trolling the web looking for everything I can possibly get from my theiving crooked and immoral grubberment.

I will be a pain like none they have ever experienced before.
I will lobby every politician
I will be a pain in the but to every local counceller
I will annoy the living shite out of every single public servant I possibly can

45 years of giving dead money to these parasites and I'll have many many hours to hound these creatures to hell.

red baron wrote on Mar 30^th, 2018 at 2:17pm:

Gnads...get another job. Your boss sounds like an arse

That was a quote from a Union meme with someones name on it ... So I cropped it.

But the intent of the meme is what happens in a lot of businesses today.

But as to your comment re: my job - Since being privatised the company I work for management has become a complete bunch of standover arses.

They can come with the cheque anytime they like ... but they won't ... the strategy is to piss people off at every level & hope people resign so they don't have to pay them diddly.

Corporate Australia ..... just a bunch of greedy tactless TNUCs.

whiteknight wrote on Mar 31^st, 2018 at 5:46am:

March 29 2018 Ballarat Courier. Ballarat Easter long weekend: public holiday surcharges to bite Eating out this Easter Weekend might be pricier than ever, with more Ballarat cafes and restaurants adding a public holiday surcharge.   :-? A number of Ballarat establishments have elected to charge an additional 10 to 15 per cent on orders, which the city’s major business group says is a response to public holiday wage rates. Some businesses charging a surcharge declined to make comment to The Courier, as they felt current discussion around penalty rates was too inflammatory. Full-time and part-time employees in fast food and hospitality had their public holiday pay reduced from 250 per cent of standard hourly rate to 225 per cent from July 1, following a Fair Work Commission Decision. In Victoria this year, Good Friday, and Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday are all considered public holidays. Commerce Ballarat executive officer Jodie Gillett said an additional surcharge was the only option for some businesses to keep doors open and be able to pay four days of penalty wages. “In order to open this weekend they may need to charge you a levy, and as residents we need to pay that happily,” she said. “To pay two and a half times the base hourly rate for four days in a row, if you ask anyone else in business if that would be feasible, I’m sure they would say no.” While surcharges on Sundays and public holidays are legal, Consumer Affairs Victoria states the menu must include what percentage surcharge will apply and be displayed as visibly as the most prominent price on the menu, or penalties apply. The alternative, Ms Gillett said, was Ballarat cafes closing and fewer food options for holiday makers, causing the city’s tourist reputation suffer over the long weekend “We think it’s a really difficult situation.” Even those looking for a fast food fix this weekend will be out of luck, with franchises Dominos and Pizza Hut charging extra. Ballarat Trades Hall secretary Brett Edgington told the Victorian Parliament’s inquiry into penalty rates and fair pay last week there is a ‘black economy’ operating. He said that some Ballarat businesses fail to pay public holiday rates, but collect a public holiday surcharge.   :( “It means bosses in retail or tourism pocket the money on holidays without a net benefit to workers,” he said. “The more you pull out of disposable income, the less activity you'll have in those places.”

Just a bunch of thieving bastards.

That mob are the very reason why leave loading was introduced.

Accommodation providers would pull out the old supply & demand trick (profiteering) for holiday periods .... charging "peak"(often more than double the off peak rate) & "off peak" rates.

People couldn't afford to go on holiday.

Business has persisted with trying to get rid of penalty rates & annual leave loading ...............

dumb bastards don't realise that people won't have money to go on holiday ....

and those businesses will suffer. Idiots.

Money is made round to go round ... not flat to stack.

Sounds like the only businesses in Ballarat are Whine and Dine.....

What exactly is it about businesses that feel some sense of Entitlement to make money?  Don't the understand the risks involved?

I had a guy the other day on another forum try the old emotional blackmail line:-  "Who do you think paid your wages when you were in the workforce?"

Response?  It's not a handout - businesses employ people at the going rate in the expectation of making money through their contribution to the business... they're not Mother Theresa....  ::)