2000 Townsville retail, hospitality workers face Sunday penalty rate loss

More than 2000 low-paid retail and hospitality workers in the Townsville region will see their pay packets shrink as a result of the Fair Work Commission decision to cut Sunday penalty rates.

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said local retail and hospitality workers were facing severe pay cuts as a result of the decision, which the Turnbull Government is refusing to challenge.

“The Federal Government’s decision to cut the take home pay of low-paid workers is unfair, and devastating for those who are affected.

“Those rates are reward for the sacrifice more than 2000 workers in Townsville make in giving up time with family and friends on weekends and other special occasions.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the Turnbull Government had the power to intervene, yet it was left to the Palaszczuk Government to demand a fair go for north Queenslanders from Canberra.

“Those affected are amongst our lowest paid workers, who rely on penalty rates to pay their bills and put food on the table,” he said.

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said hundreds of thousands more retail and hospitality workers in Queensland could be as the impact of the decision flows on to those covered by workplace agreements.

“The pay cuts come at a time when company profits and CEO salaries are at record highs, which most Queenslanders would regard as completely unfair,” Mr Harper said.