The trade union movement would be "gobsmacked" if the industrial umpire reduces Sunday penalty rates in retail and hospitality to match Saturday, its secretary says.
The Fair Work Commission is due to soon hand down its decision as part of its review into awards, but it won't do so until after the July 2 federal election.
Despite criticism of Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's claim he will accept the decision, ACTU secretary Dave Oliver defended Labor's track record on the issue during a debate at the National Press Club on Tuesday.
"When undecided voters pull out the form guide to look at the two horses they'll look at the Liberal horse and see their track record, even the prime minister himself has been out there previously attacking penalty rates," Mr Oliver said.
"As opposed to the other horse, Labor, who have been on the record fighting for and defending penalty rates."
In the "unlikely" event the Fair Work Commission rules against them, the ACTU will look at all avenues, he said.
"I do say unlikely because I'll be gobsmacked if the Fair Work Commission passes a decision that reduces the safety net," Mr Oliver added.
New chief executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry James Pearson insisted "streamlining" weekend penalty rates would create jobs and hours for existing workers.
"There's a fundamental assumption that underpins your argument - that is, there is this magic pot of money somewhere that can be dipped into whenever someone wants to pay someone else more," he said to his opponent.
But Mr Oliver hit back, thanking Mr Pearson for the economics lesson.
"If you want to streamline penalty rates and line them up you can support us in lifting the Saturday rate up to Sunday if you want consistency," he said.
Mr Shorten has said he will accept the rates decision, but indicated he would write to the commission if it rules they should be changed.
The government insists the issue is a matter for the commission.
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