Businesses say they are concerned that the extra holidays would impose additional cost burdens on retailers in an already tough trading environment.
Jos de Bruin, CEO of leading association for the independent grocery and liquor sector, Master Grocers Australia/Liquor Retailers Australia (MGA/LRA), says the proposal would be catastrophic for small businesses.
“The Andrews Government might argue that there are social and economic benefits for Victoria by introducing additional state public holidays, but there is also a massive downside for employers”, Mr. de Bruin said.
“How can a small independent grocer or liquor store who is already struggling with high penalty rates, carry this additional cost burden?"
“This is a poor economic decision at a time when unemployment figures are increasing, productivity levels are declining and there is increasing homelessness amongst young potential casual employees. No small business can carry such a massive financial imposition. The government seems to be ignoring the need to grow job opportunities instead he is destroying them. Let’s hope that the government is realistic when it comes to making the AFL Grand Final Eve a public holiday and let’s hope that common sense will prevail.”
Casual adult employees would be entitled to $50.94 per hour on the additional public holidays if the proposal is sanctioned - $14 per hour more than working on a normal Sunday.
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