The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is opposing a proposal by the SDA, the union representing retail workers in the country, to increase Saturday casual rates.
Russell Zimmerman, executive director of the ARA, said that this would act as a disincentive for retailers to employ casual workers and negatively affect retail growth.
“We sought to […] provide more employment opportunities for young workers seeking both additional hours and new employment on weekends,” said Zimmerman. “Increasing Saturday casual rates will not only increase the unemployment rate across Australia, it will further impede on national retail growth.”
Challenge to retailers
The ARA states that casual jobs are an important step to long-term employment, and that having staff with flexible hours is essential for retailers.
“With the existing change-of-hours rules around part-time employees, there is a continual need for casual employees and their flexible working arrangements,” said Zimmerman.
"This increase will only bring further challenges and cost implications for Australian retailers who are already facing a difficult operating environment.”
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
