Stop the attack on hairdressers’ and barbers’ penalty rates

Greedy business lobby groups have launched their next attack – and they’ve set their sights on hairdressers and barbers.

Hairdressers and barbers are already some of Australia’s lowest paid trade workers. But the business lobby group has now formally applied to the Fair Work Commission to slash their penalty rates.

It’s a disgusting, greedy move that needs to be stopped dead in the water. That’s why we’re calling on Craig Laundy, Minister for Small and Family Business, the Workplace and Deregulation, to stop this attack on hairdressers and barbers – will you join us, by signing the petition?

They’ve pushed and pressured to have the penalty rates of hospitality and retail workers slashed – and now they want more.

Wage growth in Australia is already at a record low. Inequality is getting worse. But business groups don’t care. They keep attacking working conditions and wages, hurting workers, their families and our economy.

They’ve come after retail and fast food workers, now hairdressers and barbers – who’s next? Nurses? Ambos?

That’s why it’s time Craig Laundy, Minister for Small and Family Business, the Workplace and Deregulation, takes a stand. He cannot stand by and allow these attacks on Australian workers to continue.