Federal Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley says more than 10,000 people in her electorate will be affected by the proposed cuts in penalty rates.
The Labor MP is urging the Turnbull Government to block the cuts proposed by the Fair Work Commission last Friday.
Ms Stanley says that new figures show more than 10,261 people, or one in seven workers, in Werriwa work in the retail, food and accommodation industries affected by the cuts.
She says that these workers stand to lose up to $77 per week.
“Malcolm Turnbull and his ministers campaigned for the Fair Work Commission to cut penalty rates,’’ Ms Stanley said.
“Under the Turnbull Government, wages in Australia are growing less than ever before.
“This latest pay cut is even more bad news for Werriwa workers and their families.’’
Retail is the second biggest industry in Werriwa, employing 6,799 workers, while food and hospitality is the seventh biggest, employing 3,462 workers.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“This decision is also bad for the South West Sydney economy, as these workers will now have less money to spend in local shops, restaurants and other businesses,’’ the Werriwa MP said.[/social_quote]
“Labor is determined to stop this damage being inflicted on our local workers and economy.
On Monday, Labor brought forward a Private Member’s Bill in federal parliament to prevent the wages of workers relying on the award from being cut.
Labor’s bill would stop the penalty rates cut from taking effect and ensure penalty rates cannot be cut in future if it results in a reduction in workers’ take home pay.
Liberal and National Party MPs voted to block the introduction of laws to protect penalty rates.
“With the government holding a one seat majority, a single Liberal or National Party MP crossing the floor to vote with Labor and the crossbenchers will mean we can stop penalty rates being cut,’’ Ms Stanley said.
