Greens reject call for two-tiered system for public holidays
Greens Deputy Leader and industrial relations spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today rejected the Australian Hotels Association’s call for a two-tiered system for public holidays that would cut penalty rates for workers on a number of public holidays throughout the year.
“This is Part One of big business’s attack on Australians’ rights at work,” said Mr Bandt.
“Penalty rates are a recognition of the unsociable hours that many people work. Cutting penalty rates for workers who must spend public holidays away from their families would cut people’s wages and make their lives harder.”
“A Grand Final eve public holiday should prove a boon for Melbourne’s hotels and staff who work on that day are entitled to be paid properly.”
“The Greens always have and always will fight to protect people’s rights at work.”
Media contact: Adam Pulford, 0429 109 054