Clerical Workers at Risk of Losing $7000 in Penalty Rates

The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) submitted a proposal consequently it provoked a debate about the workers who belong to the clerical, finance and banking sector who are about to lose $7000 a year due to the cuts to the penalty rate and overtime pay. The proposal is to avoid paying any additional entitlement by the employers through the modification in ‘exemption rate’ of 125% in Clerks and Banking Awards. This will be applicable to the employees earning more than 25% of the minimum award rate. 

It is argued that this change will definitely simplify the pay structures with flexibility, particularly for hybrid and remote roles. Whereas, it is counter argued by the opposers like (ACTU) Australian Council of Trade Unions underpinning the risk of slash in take-home pay especially it would affect the women professionals. The major retailers have removed the penalty rates for retail staff.

But the federal government has expressed their disapproval strongly because it is going to be a threat to the low-paid workers. As the concern over the change in this proposal raises, both the Unions and government are urging the awards to guarantee the essential entitlements for the specified workers.