Not-so fair to be in firing line of Fair Work

AdCommentOur SayCommentOur SayNews HomeNewsSportCommunityTributes & FuneralsClassifiedsExplore TravelEntertainmentLifestyleRecommendedQuick LinksToday’s PaperDownload our appInteractive

PuzzlesViewJobsNetworkVideoView real estatePress Releases from AAPContact usHelp CentrePrivacy PolicyAbout usView Subscription OffersThe Examiner's complete view of propertyHome/Comment/Our

SayNot-so fair to be in firing line of Fair WorkMarch 25 2017 - 6:00amMarch 25 2017 - 6:00amFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopy First we had pharmacy , hospitality, fast-food, and retail

workers hit by a cut to Sunday penalty rates.

Subscribe now for unlimited access. Login or signup to continue reading

All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperCrosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll other regional websites in your areaContinueNot-so fair to be in firing line of Fair

Work But those industries appear to be just the first of many on the chopping block with the announcement this week that hairdressers, cafe and hospitality workers look set to be next.

Hairdressers already receive a relatively low income compared with other workers – and that includes hospitality and cafe workers.

With no current union to support them, hairdressers look the most vulnerable of the three.

There’s little doubt that any further reduction in penalty rates, taking into account the cuts already made in the areas already listed would be extremely detrimental to the Northern

Tasmanian workforce.

The community is already divided following the first round of cuts.

Not surprisingly, business groups came out in full support of the decision by Fair Work Australia, while the Opposition parties, community groups and unions slammed the decision.

Business groups argue that the commission’s ruling would encourage more businesses to open up on Sundays, in turn creating more employment opportunities and thereby stimulating the economy.

Critics say they don’t believe that will happen – ever – claiming that most workplaces would absorb the reduction in wages back into the company’s bottom line.

Now, the very notion that hairdressers could be next in the firing line has angered unions. Australian Workers Union national secretary Dan Walton told a mainland newspaper: “it is

unconscionable for the business lobby to go after a group made up predominantly of underpaid women”.

It has already been well documented that Tasmanians in general are already amongst the lowest-paid in Australia.

We also have a disportionately high number of part-time and casual workers – a number that continues to grow when compared with the number of full-time workers.

Reducing the pay of cafe and restaurant workers – many of whom are directly and indirectly linked to the state’s burgeoning tourism industry – will be a bitter pill to swallow.

The commission is expected to hand down its decision on any further cuts to penalty rates over the next few months.

But if recent history is anything to go by, the cut appears to be a foregone conclusion.

ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyMore from Our SayAlbo uninspiring, Dutton unconvincing as underwhelmed Aussie voters say 'meh'No commentsTravel warnings should give us pauseNo

commentsNewsletters & AlertsView all Daily

Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.

Loading... Weekdays

The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.

Loading... Weekdays

The evening wrap Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening.

Loading... Weekly

Subscriber OnlyNote from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.

Loading... Weekly

Subscriber OnlyFootyHQ Love footy? We've got all the action covered.

Loading... Weekly

Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis.

Loading... Weekly

Explore Travel Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.

Loading... Weekdays

The Echidna Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.

Loading... Twice weekly

The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.

Loading... Twice weekly

Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.

Loading... Weekly

Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.

Loading... As it happens

Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks.

Loading... Daily

Subscriber OnlyToday's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!

Loading... Daily

Subscriber OnlyYour favourite puzzles Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

Loading... Advertisement

Ad Advertisement

AdAustralian Community MediaACM WebsiteConditions of UsePrivacyTerms and Conditions - Digital SubscriptionTerms and Conditions - Newspaper SubscriptionThe ExaminerContactAbout UsWorking With

UsToday's PaperCommenting GuidelinesView Property EditionHelp CentreOur SitesViewExploreView InsuranceBeevoPlace an AdClassifiedsCarsTributes & FuneralsCelebrationsPromo

CodesAgTraderMeHelpFarmer's FinanceGarage SalesSubmitSend a letter to the EditorSend Us Your News