Olav Muurlink writes in The Conversation (19.5.16) about the contested issue of penalty rates, and how calls for their abolition or reduction during this election campaign fail to consider the broader implications for workers, such as their health and workplace safety.
‘Despite only being two weeks into an eight-week election campaign, penalty rates have already become a significant issue, with Labor so far refusing to guarantee it will keep Sunday penalty rates for hospitality and retail workers.
‘Penalty rates are often cast as a roadblock to business or employment but public health researchers see penalty rates as a deterrent against employing workers in ways that risk workers’ health.’