Thousands march in Brisbane over penalty rates cuts

Thousands have marched through central Brisbane to protest against a recent decision to cut penalty rates for hospitality and retail workers.

Workers are seen during a union protest against the slashing of penalty rates and the Federal Government's tough new building code in Brisbane Source: AAP

Thousands of protesters have marched through Brisbane's CBD as part of a national action against changes to penalty rates by the Turnbull government.

The crowd, dominated by members of several trade unions, gathered on Thursday at Roma St before marching through the city to the Commonwealth government's offices at Waterfront Place, where they presented a petition.

The rally coincides with similar actions across the country to show "widespread concern" after the Fair Work Commission decided on a cut to penalty rates across some sectors including retail and hospitality.

Queensland Council of Unions general secretary Ros McLennan said up to 180,000 Queenslanders would face a pay cut when the changes come into effect on July 1.

"This is a loss of up to $6000 per year for some Queensland workers," Ms Mclennan said.

An Essential poll released on Tuesday found 56 per cent of voters disapprove of the FWC's decision, while 32 per cent approve.

But Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull claims there's "masses of evidence" to support the change, which comes after a decision from an "independent umpire".