BOWMAN MP Andrew Laming will not back the latest penalty rate cuts for hospitality and retail workers until he hears from local businesses and employees.
Hundreds of thousands of Sunday workers will suffer pay cuts after a landmark ruling by the Fair Work Commission.
It ruled that penalty rates in places like food, retail and pharmacies will be cut, with some losing double time.
Cuts vary but hospitality employees’ Sunday rates will be reduced from 175 per cent to 150 per cent, while casual workers will remain unchanged.
Fast-food employees' rates will go from 150 per cent to 125 per cent for full-time and part-time staff while casuals will drop from 200 per cent to 175 per cent.
Mr Laming said the Redlands had plenty of hospitality workers and their families who relied on penalty rates.
“For many, it is the only way they can top-up to their pay,’’ he said. “For others, it means they can earn a full-time salary when only part-time hours are on offer.
"Unlike (Opposition leader) Bill Shorten, I respect the umpire's call. But I won't be commending this decision until I see the impact first hand, both positive and negative.’’
Australian Christian Lobby managing director Lyle Shelton said penalty rates were introduced to reflect the value Australians placed on maintaining a healthy work-family balance and provided a discouragement for businesses wishing to take workers away from families.
“For families to flourish, it is important that we do not treat workers as economic commodities but as human beings who contribute to society in many other ways including involvement in churches, sports or other community groups,’’ he said.
“Surely we should incentivise rest, family, friends and worship and recognise our workers as people, not machines for a 24/7 economy.
“The notion of the week with a distinction between the ordinary working days and a weekly day of rest for refreshment and family time is one of the greatest gifts Judaism and Christianity have given to our society.
“We wander from these timeless truths at our peril. Sunday penalty rates send an important signal that we want to keep at least one day a week free, just to be.’’
Mr Laming said voters were sick of trench warfare on penalty rates.
“I want to know the real impact of these changes on Redland city,’’ he said. “Next month, I will survey every household on how these changes have affected them. Bosses deserve a say but so do the workers they employ.
“With my survey to be released in mid-March, I want to know whether the extra jobs and hours eventuate, to compensate for the fall in penalty payments.’’
Mr Laming said it was Mr Shorten who asked for penalty rates to be reviewed and appointed four of the five commissioners who made the decision.
“No one can call this a Liberal Party decision,’’ Mr Laming said. “But now made, we have to give it a chance to work and assess whether the changes are positive overall.’’