The National Retail Association (NRA) has reaffirmed its support in the Fair Work Commission's (FWC) ruling regarding penalty rates ahead of the final day of appeal.
The NRA is representing members in the Federal Court at this week’s three-day union appeal against the FWC's decision.
NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said the FWC had spent close to two years examining the issue while weighing up evidence from both sides, which included 143 witnesses and almost 6000 written submissions.
"These reductions are desperately needed in today’s 24/7 retail landscape, in which many businesses have been resorting to bringing in family members to cover shifts on Sundays just to keep the doors open, or not open at all.
“Given the reduction was offset by an increase to the minimum wage in June this year, but was then slated to be phased in over four years, there’s really been no relief for retailers, who need this reduction urgently in order to continue growing their businesses and continue creating jobs for Australian workers."
Lamb also pointed to the liquidation of Topshop and the closure of GAP Australia as examples of Australia's IR system not keeping up with the constantly changing retail landscape.
“The evidence shows Sunday wages have been unsustainable for some time and have not kept pace with a changing environment, and that the vast majority of workers no longer see a difference in working Sundays compared with Saturdays."