PENALTY RATE CUTS BUT NO NEW JOBS: NEW RESEARCH   :(

 
United Voice Union
Friday 17 May, 2019

The proof is in: after two years of penalty rate cuts no extra jobs have been created, according to new research released today by Macquarie University and Wollongong University economists.

The damning analysis of job growth figures for weekend work found employer groups relied on “flawed” evidence that was “indirect and tangential at best, and biased at worst” to argue jobs would be created by penalty rate cuts. 

Statement attributable to Jo-anne Schofield, National Secretary, United Voice:

It’s unbelievable there are low-paid workers in Australia who have had their pay packets go backwards under penalty rate cuts because of flawed, biased evidence from employer groups.

The facts are in: this government and their big business mates delivered a pay cut these workers did not deserve and certainly can’t afford without one new job being created.

The research reveals arguments in favour of penalty rate cuts mounted by employer groups and cheered on by the Liberal-National Government have been nothing more than a nasty attack on low-paid workers.   :(

And the cheer squad goes on. Just yesterday NSW Nationals MP Kevin Hogan said penalty rate cuts were “great for our youth”.

Even business now admits the cheer squad is wrong, with a major business group saying Scott Morrison’s cuts to penalty rates had “failed to create one new job”.

But the attacks haven’t stopped.   :(

For example Restaurant and Catering Australia wants to cut ALL penalty rates and pay workers a flat rate across seven days. No wonder workers are asking ‘who’s next?’ for a penalty rate cut.

Just seven weeks away, hospitality, retail, fast food and pharmacy workers face their next pay cut.

Only Labor will restore and protect penalty rates.

Penalty rates are an anachronism and should be removed, other than those for working more than the prescribed hours per day or per week.

The LNP want a US style minimum wage system where the workers have to ask for tips to make up the shortfall to meet their living standards :(

Laugh till you cry wrote on May 18^th, 2019 at 9:40am:

Penalty rates are an anachronism and should be removed, other than those for working more than the prescribed hours per day or per week.

Why would you think that over time rates were safe when the same arguments exist

1) why should an employer pay un-competitive rates for extra hours. The normal flat hourly rate should be enough for these greedy bastards ?

2) Not paying overtime rates will create more jobs and allow companies to open for more hours.

There isn't one fake argument that applies to penalties that doesn't apply equally to overtime.

Only people who have never done legitimate shift work would ever agree to tampering with penalty rates.

Sir lastnail wrote on May 18^th, 2019 at 10:28am:

The LNP want a US style minimum wage system where the workers have to ask for tips to make up the shortfall to meet their living standards :(

Under the Howard government business groups asked for wages so low that people could be fully employed and remain on unemployment benefits, they were serious.

Give these grubs an inch and you will find yourself working a 70 hour week for half a bowl of rice.

Laugh till you cry wrote on May 18^th, 2019 at 9:40am:

Penalty rates are an anachronism and should be removed, other than those for working more than the prescribed hours per day or per week.

I doubt that you have ever posted a statement that was more wrong.

"A Nasty Attack On Low Paid Workers"

You mean "Cleanevent" Bill? "Chiquita mushrooms" Bill?

Dnarever wrote on May 18^th, 2019 at 1:58pm:

Laugh till you cry wrote on May 18th, 2019 at 9:40am: Penalty rates are an anachronism and should be removed, other than those for working more than the prescribed hours per day or per week. I doubt that you have ever posted a statement that was more wrong.

That would only be correct if I posted that you were right.

Might as well legalise slavery.

lee wrote on May 18^th, 2019 at 2:22pm:

"A Nasty Attack On Low Paid Workers" You mean "Cleanevent" Bill? "Chiquita mushrooms" Bill?

Yet no condemnation for the dishonest companies that forced those conditions through. It was never Bills idea you know. Back when industrial laws were stacked on the employers side and employees were fighting a losing battle.

Laugh till you cry wrote on May 18^th, 2019 at 2:24pm:

Dnarever wrote on May 18th, 2019 at 1:58pm: Laugh till you cry wrote on May 18th, 2019 at 9:40am: Penalty rates are an anachronism and should be removed, other than those for working more than the prescribed hours per day or per week. I doubt that you have ever posted a statement that was more wrong. That would only be correct if I posted that you were right.

Actually you have done that.

You were never a legitimate shift worker on the other hand were you.