On 23 February 2017 the Commission handed down its decision in relation to applications made by various employer groups seeking a review of penalty rates in some Awards.

Sunday penalty rates were reduced for employees covered under 4 Awards, and Public Holiday penalty rates were reduced for employees covered under 5 Awards – below is a summary of the 550 page decision:

SUNDAY PENALTY RATES

Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2010 – Full-time and part-time employees only – reduction from 175% to 150% (no change for casual employees)

Fast Food Industry Award 2010 – Level 1 Employees only, Full-time and part-time employees – reduction from 150% to 125%; Casual employees – reduction from 175% to 150%

General Retail Industry Award 2010 – Full-time and part-time employees – reduction from 200% to 150%; Casual employees – reduction from 200% to 175%

Pharmacy Industry Award 2010 – 7:00am to 9:00pm only, Full-time and part-time employees – reduction from 200% to 150%; Casual employees – reduction from 200% to 175%

PUBLIC HOLIDAY PENALTY RATES

Restaurant Industry Award 2010 – Full-time and part-time employees – reduction from 250% to 225%; Casual employees – no change from 250%

Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2010 – Full-time and part-time employees – reduction from 250% to 225%; Casual employees – reduction from 275% to 250%

Fast Food Industry Award 2010 – Full-time and part-time employees – reduction from 250% to 225%; Casual employees – reduction from 275% to 250%

General Retail Industry Award 2010 – Full-time and part-time employees – reduction from 250% to 225%; Casual employees – reduction to 250%

Pharmacy Industry Award 2010 – Full-time and part-time employees – reduction from 250% to 225%; Casual employees – reduction from 275% to 250%

The Commission has proposed that the above changes will (in full or in part) take effect from 1 July 2017.  Fair Work Centre will keep all Members updated.