Ausssie retailers have come out with a sob story, once again. This time its to do with working hours and minimum shifts.
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The row between retailers and Shop Distributive Association which came before Federal Court today, centering around students being allowed to work on school days for a 1.5 hour period.
“Peak” body the Australian Retailers Association said it was “relieved” by today’s decision by the Federal Court to refuse a stay on proceedings requested by the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA), which would have halted the previous Fair Work Australia ruling to allow students to work on school days.
“Battle- weary retailers” can now employ students for 1.5 hours on school days, even during school hours, with written consent from the employee and their parent or guardian, said ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman.
Retailers will be able to employ students for a minimum of 1.5 hours at least until the Federal Court hearing, likely to be scheduled before the end of the year.
This appears to be the first of several “poor us” statements the ASA have put out of late as it laments over slugglish trade and rising competition from online traders.
“The Federal Court’s refusal of yet another delay in retailers being able to implement a fair and equitable outcome for employers and students could not come at a better time, with term four due to start next week in most states and retailers anxious to employ and train workers for the extra pressures of the Christmas trading period.
“The refusal is hopefully a sign to the SDA that the Courts don’t have time for political games and are instead intent on working in the interests of productivity and creating flexibility in the workplace.
“The battle has worn on for over eighteen months now; retailers, students and peak decision makers are weary and are keen to give students the chance to gain valuable workplace skills,” Zimmerman added.
