Penalty Rates Changes a Win for Public

The recent decision by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) on penalty rates is a win for the public as hospitality venues will be able to open more on Sundays and public holidays.
Australian Hotels Association (WA) CEO Bradley Woods says while there are positives from the FWC’s decision, it does not go far enough. “The decision does not go far enough to deliver changes that will see significant employment growth opportunities,” said Mr Woods. “The FWC decision means that full and part-time workers under the Hospitality Award will have Sunday rates reduced from 175% to 150% and public holiday rates reduced from 250% to 225%. However casual worker rates were only changed slightly on public holidays – from 275% to 250% when we were seeking 175%.
“Whilst we did not get what we asked for, it is a step in the right direction. Along with opening for additional hours to service our hospitality economy, even more jobs could be created. Our case challenged the status quo which saw cost-prohibitive penalty rates on weekends and public holidays. The changes will encourage our members to offer more shifts for workers and longer hours for customers,” said Mr Woods.
A summary of the changes are as follows:
 Sunday permanents reduced from 175% to 150%
 Sunday casuals remain unchanged at 175%
 Public Holiday permanents reduced from 250% to 225%
 Public Holiday casuals reduced from 275% to 250%
 Public Holiday changes commence 1 July 2017, transitional arrangements to be determined for Sunday rate changes.