Abbott inspired attack on penalty rates threatens wages: Bandt
Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt today said that workers and their families should prepare for a Government-backed assault on penalty rates.
“Australians need to get ready for a Government-led attack on the wages and conditions of people who work unsociable hours,” said Mr Bandt.
“The same Government that is forcing chaplains into schools at a cost of millions of dollars is saying that there’s nothing special about working on a Sunday.
“Tony Abbott cutting the pay of people working unsociable hours is just another example of his Government doing the bidding of his mates at the top end of town.
“If you’re a young worker or a woman, you will be particularly at risk because the Government is revving up some employers to attack the payments of people working unsociable hours. Make no mistake, this is about cutting people’s wages and making life harder.
“If weekends end up being treated like every other day of the week, if working at midnight is considered the same as working at midday, Australians’ work-life balance will crumble.
“This isn’t just an attack on people’s pay packets, it’s an attack on our ability to balance work and life. The Greens believe that most people want a better work-life balance,” said Mr Bandt.