Release Date: 14/11/2013
PEAK employer organisation the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) is working on a template to provide more flexibility in penalty rate provisions that could provide increased employment opportunities for Tasmanians.
TCCI Chief Executive Michael Bailey said individual flexibility arrangements were provided under the Fair Work Act and if these could be agreed to, they could see jobs created, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors.
Mr Bailey said penalty rate reform was one of the key recommendations flowing from the Jobs;’ Forum facilitated by the TCCI at the request of Premier Lara Giddings.
“However, the initial response from the union movement is that it is not prepared to consider any changes to current penalty rate provisions and while that is disappointing, we may be able to achieve some reform in particular sectors or businesses.
“For example, TCCI’s industrial relations specialists are able to develop flexibility arrangements to take account of particular business and employee needs.
“If we can develop appropriate templates, it may provide a way forward for the hospitality and retail sectors and so increase employment opportunities.”
Mr Bailey said the TCCI’s industrial relations specialists were able to assist in developing industrial flexibility arrangements for particular businesses where the employer and employees were in agreement and lead discussions with the unions.
“This could provide an opportunity for business to become more productive and provide increased employment prospects for Tasmanians.
“This is not aimed at reducing employees’ rights or cutting wages. The reality today is that many businesses simply do not operate out of hours, on weekends or public holidays because of the high cost of penalty rates, meaning productivity and jobs are lost.
“If we can resolve this issue, everyone will benefit and the development of individual flexibility arrangements may provide a way forward,” Mr Bailey said.
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