Labor has sought to cut short parliamentary question time to bring on laws to protect penalty rates from being cut following a decision of the Fair Work Commission.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten told parliament on Thursday that question time should be suspended so his private bill could be passed by 3.30pm.
"The prime minister has the power to stop these pay cuts for nearly 700,000 Australians," Mr Shorten said.
Mr Shorten said the government could not wash its hands of the FWC's decision.
"When you become prime minister, your job is not to find somewhere to hide to avoid making a decision - people expect governments to intervene when there are decisions made which are harming a lot of people," he said.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
The prime minister had intervened in two recent industrial matters - Victoria's Country Fire Authority agreement and the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the government respected the decision of the independent umpire.
"The Fair Work Commission carefully examined the case presented by unions and employers and their representatives and it concluded ... a decrease in penalty rates would result in more jobs, more employment, more opportunities for young people to get some work on the weekend," he said.
The commission had suggested the phasing in of the decision over several years "to ensure workers are not worse off in terms of their pay packet".
Labor's motion failed 65-71 with the government using its majority.
