THIS afternoon (June 9) club workers from all over Canberra will protests against the Canberra Southern Cross Club’s attempt to cut weekend and public holiday penalty rates in its proposed new workplace agreement.

Erryn Cresshull from the hospitality union of United Voice says: “The Canberra Southern Cross Club is the first club in the country to attempt to incorporate, by stealth, cuts to penalty rates into its new enterprise bargaining agreement.” 

“The club is proposing immediate cuts to penalty rates as well as attempting to incorporate proposed cuts to penalty rates in the Hospitality Award, and possible changes to the Clubs Award into its new workplace agreement,” she says. 

“If the Club is successful, almost 500 Canberra workers could have their weekend and public holiday penalty rates slashed.”

The Southern Cross Club is one of the largest clubs in Canberra. Staff regularly work weekends and public holidays, and like many hospitality workers, penalty rates make up a significant component of the pay of many club workers.

United Voice says that the club is currently in a solid financial position:

• 2015-16 revenue of $50, 624, 861
• 2015-16 total profits of $1, 104, 814
• Club workers earn less than half the average weekly earnings in Australia.

The Fair Work Commission will hear arguments for and against the club’s proposed new agreement which would slash penalty rates from July 2018.

The Club is threatening to terminate their current workplace agreement if the new agreement is rejected which would mean an immediate pay cut for club staff.

More information via saveourweekend.org.au/southerncross