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ARA Presenting to AIRC for Modern Retail Award - retailers need more flexibility to stimulate economic growth

Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) will present its case to the AIRC to streamline the awards system for retail workers to include greater flexibility and simplicity to stimulate economic growth in this $292 billion sector.

In Melbourne, the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) is today beginning the first stage in the Federal Government's program to update Australia's 4,000 federal and state industrial awards through an ‘awards modernisation' process.

With the final written submission due to the AIRC by 6 June, the ARA will present to the Full Board on behalf of the millions of Australian retail sector workers still on archaic award wage structures.

ARA Executive Director Richard Evans said any modern award for the retail industry should initially cover only the most common employee types employed within the sector.

"This is the more manageable approach ensuring there are no inappropriate or unfavourable outcomes for employers given the short timeframe available with this awards review process.

"The ARA will also advocate a clause providing maximum flexibility and simplicity for this sector made up of vastly different business types and sizes. The geographical differences associated with trading hours and other operational requirements of these businesses call for flexibility which can't be achieved through overly complex and restrictive requirements," Evans said.

"The ARA will not oppose the draft timetable proposed by the AIRC but will emphasise the enormity of the task facing the retail sector as a priority industry and the importance of understanding a realistic approach needs to be taken regarding the coverage and content of modern award terms. The ARA will also advocate the AIRC should allow for formal hearings throughout the process to ensure parties have full opportunity to advance their positions.

"To assist us with this task, we have also enlisted the services of Adelaide University's Professor Andrew Stewart who has extensive experience in employment law and workplace relations. He will be developing a discussion paper and draft a Modern Award on behalf of the ARA," Evans said.

For over 104 years, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body in Australia's $292 billion retail sector which employs over 1.2 million people. As an incorporated employer body under the Workplace Relations Act and with a range of member services including business consulting, policy development, advocacy and education, the ARA promotes and protects over 5000 independent and national retailers throughout Australia. Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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