They are considered "essential workers" during the pandemic but that hasn't stopped people working in supermarkets and restaurants from having to take a pay cut.
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On July 1, the final instalment in a cut to Sunday penalty rates kicked in, dropping them from double time to time and a half.
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Bernie Smith, State Secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association, said this wasn't fair given these workers were often on the frontlines during COVID-19.
"It's more a slap in the face for retail workers who have been told throughout the pandemic that they're essential workers and they're valued and they're the reason why the community can keep functioning, people like supermarket workers, pharmacy workers," Mr Smith said.
"They're told you are essential, perhaps, but when it comes to your pay, that's not necessarily the case.
"They've been called on to step up during the pandemic but when it comes times to hand out the pay for that, they feel like they've been left behind."
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