Federal Parliament Question Time IR claims

The National Retail Association (NRA) has slammed false claims made regarding industrial relations in Question Time today.

NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said it was very disappointing to see numerous Federal Labor frontbenchers, including Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, blatantly misrepresent retailers in a bid to land a political blow against the Government.

“The NRA makes no apologies for standing up for its members throughout Australia as the economy begins to rebound from the first recession in 30 years,” Ms Lamb said.

“While we have submitted a draft variation to the award, we have made no formal submission and acknowledge that the Fair Work Commission will take appropriate account of the proposed legislation when it considers the proposal.

“Our exemption rate proposal is entirely opt-in and allows employers and workers to mutually agree on a wage 25 per cent higher than the weekly minimum wage. In exchange for the higher wage would see exemptions to complex rostering rules with accompanying safeguards. Rather than a paycut, this arrangement would see most managers receive a pay rise of $13,000 per annum.

“The proposal is still to be considered by the FWC and we encourage the Leader of the Opposition to provide his views outside the politically-charged environment that is Question Time if he so desires.

“Should the FWC grant the proposal, it will be because it views it in accordance with the industrial standards set down by the Rudd-Gillard Government of which Mr Albanese was a senior Cabinet Minister.”