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Changes to Sunday penalty rates for those working in retail, fast food, hospitality and the pharmacy industry are to take effect from July 2017.
If the changes take effect this is what they will look like:-
| Award | CURRENT Sunday Rate | NEW Sunday Rate |
| Hospitality | ||
| Full time and part time employees | 175% of standard hourly rate | 150% of standard hourly rate |
| Fast Food Award | ||
| Full time and part time employees | 150% of standard hourly rate | 125% of standard hourly rate |
| Casual employees | 175% of standard hourly rate | 150% of standard hourly rate |
| Retail Award | ||
| Full time and part time employees | 200% of standard hourly rate | 150% of standard hourly rate |
| Casual employees | 200% of standard hourly rate | 175% of standard hourly rate |
| Pharmacy Award | ||
| Full time and part time employees | 200% of standard hourly rate | 150% of standard hourly rate |
| Casual employees | 200% of standard hourly rate | 175% of standard hourly rate |
Labor leader Bill Shorten has introduced a private bill to Parliament in an attempt to protect current penalty rates and if passed the Fair Work Commission will be unable to vary modern awards to reduce an employee’s or prospective employee’s take home pay.
Watch this space to see what happens.
In the meantime, if you are an employee and unsure of your entitlements or an employer an unsure of your obligations, please do not hesitate to contact our office and speak with one our Employment Law solicitors.
About the author
Macrossan & Amiet
Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors is one of Queensland’s oldest law firms. It has been serving the people of Mackay and the surrounding districts since the late 19th Century, providing quality legal services to all of its clients.
About Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors
For over 100 years, Macrossan & Amiet Solicitors has been a leading local law firm in Mackay, with offices in Proserpine and Cannonvale servicing the Whitsundays region. Our experienced solicitors provide professional legal services to individuals, families and businesses across regional Queensland.
Whether you need representation in court, assistance buying or selling property, or advice on protecting your assets, our Mackay lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you.
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