Airc Sells Retailers Down The Drain - Nra Media Statement

AIRC Sells Retailers Down the Drain

The National Retail Association (NRA) is Australia's largest and most representative retail organisation with over 3000 members and affiliates located across all Australian states and territories. Its membership includes a substantial number of franchisor and franchisee entities, both small and large.

The NRA's Executive Director Gary Black says the Australian Industrial Relations Commission has ignored the concerns of employers in drafting its modern retail award, which was released today.

"The Commission was given direction by Minister Gillard that its modern award should not result in increased costs for employers. It appears to have chosen to ignore this. Preliminary estimates are that the new award will result in increases in labour costs of between 5 and 15% for mainstream retailers and up to 25% for take away food operators."

"Employers will have no option but to pass these increased costs on to consumers, or will be forced to reduce staff levels. In the current economic climate, the impact of this on inflation and unemployment levels could be catastrophic."

"NRA has already heard from retail businesses who are concerned about their ongoing viability if these increased costs come into effect. Small business in particular will find it increasingly difficult to continue their operations."

"NRA calls on Minister Gillard to intervene as a matter of urgency and address the profound failure of the AIRC to comply with her request to ensure that the modernisation process does not disadvantage employers and employees"

Gary Black
Executive Director NRA
0413 046 614