Cuts to Sunday penalty rates are devastating for working people and their families and will slash wages by thousands of dollars for some of the state's lowest paid, Premier Jay Weatherill says.
"Penalty rates are not a bonus, they're not an additional extra. Many people on low incomes need penalty rates just to pay bills, put food on the table or pay for their children's education," Mr Weatherill said on Thursday.
The premier said there would also be an impact on the wider economy, with the cuts reducing the spending power of some households.
In its decision on Thursday, the Fair Work Commission cut Sunday penalty rates for casual hospitality workers from 175 per cent to 150 per cent and for retail workers from 200 per cent to 150 per cent.
Mr Weatherill said the decision was just a pay cut and vowed to continue to fight against the changes.
He said penalty rates were fair compensation for those workers who sacrificed their Sundays when other people were enjoying time with their families.
"We made a submission strongly against this cut to penalty rates," the premier said.
"My government will analyse this decision closely but rest assured we'll do everything in our power to stand up for working people and their families."
Share
