Dear <<First Name>>, 

A fortnight on from the penalty rates decision, the accompanying discourse seems to be taking on a life of its own, and devaluing the lengthy and carefully-considered processes behind the decision from the Fair Work Commission.

I’ve been particularly saddened to see this independent decision politicised and brandished as a weapon in the gender equality debate during International Women’s Day this week.

This is a day celebrated for more than a century, in which women around the world come together to commemorate the struggle for women’s rights.

This year the United Nations theme was, ‘Empower a woman, empower a nation. Together we can empower women across the globe’. In retail, we certainly have the capacity to do just that and many of our members are heavily invested in this area.

The retail industry is the second largest employer in Australia. We employ approximately 1.2 million people, 55% of which are women and one third are between the ages of 18 to 24 years.

As an industry we are more inclined to invest in gender equity strategies, which promote equal remuneration and many of you... Read more >>

Dominique Lamb, CEO