Weltnachrichten – AU – Part-time workers are to be offered more hours, but without overtime as part of the proposed job restructuring

employers could offer part-time workers additional hours without paying them more than their regular tariffs under the federal government’s most recently proposed job changes.

Labor Relations Minister Christian Porter said companies with workers who received 12 awards in retail and hospitality could offer them extra hours without paying higher overtime rates, as long as an agreement like a text message between the employer and the employer has the employee.

Normal penalty rates will continue to apply and the part-time worker must work at least 16 regular hours per week with a minimum of three hours of shift.

« These reforms are groundbreaking and critical to solving a trio of diseases in the current labor market – underemployment, the need for more flexibility and some employees’ desire for more permanent employment, » said Porter.

« The reforms give companies the confidence and security they need to hire permanent employees, rather than focusing on traditionally more flexible forms of employment.

« For employees, this means a higher chance of permanent employment with a guaranteed minimum number of hours, paid vacation entitlements and, above all, more working hours, if they so wish. « 

The proposal is the last in a series of measures to be published on Wednesday ahead of the expected introduction of industrial relations changes in Parliament.

The government has already announced new rules for casual workers that could give them a stronger right to continue working, but reduce employers’ liability for paying vacation expenses and other benefits.

It also seeks to criminalize the deliberate and systematic underpayment of workers with penalties for anyone with a prison sentence of up to four years or one US dollar. 1 million fine or both.

Australian Union Council Secretary Sally McManus agreed that stronger measures were needed to discourage workers from underpaying but said the government’s plan was not tough enough.

« It has to do with the standard of the offense. And we understand that the standard that is being proposed is much weaker than it is in much of Australia, so it is watered down, « Ms. McManus said.

« Basically, it is impossible for an employer, even if they do something really bad, to face a prison sentence. « 

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry also criticized the new penalties, arguing that they would put more pressure on companies still struggling with COVID-19.

« Many small and family businesses are on the brink of failure after a shocking year, » said ACCI CEO James Pearson.

« And I worry that if employers start to hold back from hiring, or even decide it gets too difficult and they shut down because of the changes in the law, then everyone is going to miss it. « . « 

The government will today announce more funding for the Fair Work Ombudsman to provide free advice to small businesses on how to properly pay their workers.

« At the same time, it is a sensible alternative to give regulators such as the Ombudsman for Fair Work more discretion to defer litigation in cases where a real mistake has been made. This is a viable alternative to more punitive measures, « Porter said.

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Christian Porter, wage theft, wages, part-time employment, government