Sunday Penalty Rates Just Got Cut In Australia [Updated]

The Fair Work Commission has decided to reduce penalty rates for hospitality and retail staff around the country. Here’s what you need to know.

Sunday penalty rates will be reduced for hospitality, retail and fast food workers, the Fair Work Commission has ruled. The changes to weekend rates will come in late March, while changes to public holiday rates will come in on July 1 this year.

Currently, the decision will only affect hospitality, entertainment, retail, restaurants and cafe workers. Full, part-time and casual employees will all have their Sunday penalty rates reduced. (Saturday penalty rates will remain unchanged.)

In the hospitality award, the penalty rate for full-time and part-time employees will be reduced from 175 to 150 per cent. Retail workers and those working at pharmacies will see their Sunday double time reduced to 150% of their hourly rate. Casual hospitality workers have been spared the rate cut but will need to give up other entitlements.

Here are the current penalty rates in Australia:

According to the Fair Work Commission, the cuts will lead to increased services and trading hours on public holidays and Sundays. Because bars and cafes are never open on Sunday, right? Tch.

See also: Sunday Penalty Rates Slashed: How Will It Affect You?


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