WA election: Barnett wants to cut Sunday penalty rates for state workers
Updated
A re-elected Barnett Government would push to have Sunday penalty rates for some workers slashed, in exchange for a higher base rate on other days.
Premier Colin Barnett confirmed he would seek to have the WA Industrial Relations Commission review pay rates for workers under the state system, a day after the Fair Work Commission announced changes for people under its jurisdiction.
The Fair Work Commission's decision to cut the Sunday rate from double the typical wage to 150 per cent of it applied to employees of hospitality, fast food and retail corporations — typically medium and large businesses.
Employees of some small businesses fall under the state-based system and are not impacted by Fair Work's decision.
But Mr Barnett said he would have the state system reviewed if his Government is returned for a third term.
"What I would like to see is, reduce those excessive Sunday penalties ... bring them in line with Saturday and increase the base rate," Mr Barnett said.
"If you are to grow employment in retail, tourism and hospitality, you have to make it attractive to be able to open businesses and supply full services."
Mr Barnett said he was not concerned his stance would make voters unhappy, two weeks from the election, saying the public was "more sensible than that".
"If the deal is increase the hourly rate and reduce the penalties, there will be more jobs and better services for West Australians," he said.
But the issue could become an election flashpoint, with Labor leader Mark McGowan declaring the Premier's stance "un-West Australian".
"He seems to love to put the boot into low-paid workers," Mr McGowan said.
"I think the Industrial Relations Commission itself should manage these issues without the threat of legislation."
The proposal did not appear to have universal support among government ranks, with Nationals leader Brendon Grylls voicing concern about "attacks" on penalty rates.
Topics: government-and-politics, tourism, hospitality, wa
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