UNIONS are misleading Geelong workers with a dishonest scare campaign over penalty rates, according to local Liberal MP Sarah Henderson.
The Abbott Government had “no plans” to change penalty rates, the Member for Corangamite said yesterday.
Employees should instead fear Labor under Bill Shorten, who as a union boss signed deals with employers to “completely remove the penalty rates of low-paid workers”, Ms Henderson said.
“The facts matter. The Government has no plans to abolish penalty rates or change the way they are set.
“Responsibility for setting award wages and conditions, including penalty rates, sits with the independent tribunal, the Fair Work Commission. Any suggestion that the government has altered penalty rates, or has plans to remove penalty rates, is just false.
“I also note that in its previous two yearly review of awards, the Fair Work Commission decided to reduce certain penalty rates in the hospitality industry. This occurred under Labor’s legislation and as a result of a review instigated by Labor when it was in government.”
Ms Henderson said she would have accepted an invitation to speak this week at a Geelong union rally to campaign for the retention of penalty rates.
“At no stage was I asked to speak at the rally. If I’d had the opportunity, I would have been delighted to tell local workers the truth about this dishonest campaign.”
ACTU president Ged Kearney said penalty rates were under threat.
“Nurses, police, ambos, miners, retail and hospitality workers are among the hardworking Australians who sacrifice their weekends away from family and friends,” she said.
“They work nights and weekends and should be paid for that but the Abbott Government is working hand-in-glove with business groups to cut penalty rates and lower take-home pays.
“I call on the local community to get behind this local campaign to save our weekends and I call on all local members of parliament to guarantee their support for penalty rates.
“The truth is that cutting penalty rates has nothing to do with job-creation or productivity – it’s about cutting people’s pay packets. If you cut people’s wages they have less money to spend in shops, pharmacies and cafes – the very businesses that are driving this attack.”
