This weekend will mark a moment in business and industrial relations history.
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Workers across four industries will see a start in cuts in penalty rates to workers across the retail, fast food, hospitality and pharmacy sectors.
The cuts will be phased in over four years and will see Sunday rates drop from 200 per cent to either 175 or 150 per cent.
This week in a speech to the Australian Council of Trade Unions Opposition leader Bill Shorten has vowed to overturn the cuts should Labor win the next federal election.
It shouldn’t hurt his campaign to be the next Prime Minister of Australia.
Many businesses are refusing to pass on the cuts and even fear what the consequences will mean.
Emma Huber from Bulli restaurant Sandy Goodwich fears what it means for her industry’s work force supply of transient casual workers.
“They’re the ones who have decided to give their lives to the industry,” Ms Huber told the Illawarra Mercury.
“They’re they ones who have trained two, three or four years as an apprentice or they’ve done a hospitality certificate.
“They’re the ones who are being given a disincentive to stay in the industry long-term.”
Only time will tell whether there are any real business winners from these cuts, which are aimed at giving businesses – particularly in regional Australia – a greater incentive and ability to operate across the weekend period.
In the meantime though, some workers will clearly be the losers.
WELCOME BACK OZZIE
Illawarra Hawks fans rejoiced on Friday afternoon with the news of the re-signing of co-captain Oscar Forman.
The 35-year-old is not only one of the best three-pointer shooters the National Basketball League has ever seen and a loyal Hawks clubman, he's one of the best blokes going around in Australian sport.
It makes for an exciting time for Forman, who is expecting his first child with partner Gaia any time soon.
The signing further solidifies the Hawks campaign for the upcoming 2017-2018 NBL season.
With only two import spots left to fill outside of development roles, the Hawks have a seriously strong list to have another crack at the national title again next season.
