Reported at michaelwest.com.au: The federal government opposes a proposal to reduce penalty rates for retail workers.

The government intends to submit a response to the Fair Work Commission, arguing that minimum safety net conditions should not be sacrificed for what would be a minimal pay increase.

Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt says that negotiations should occur in a fairer context rather than at the expense of vulnerable workers’ pay and conditions.

See also: Supermarket push to scrap penalty rates opposed by federal government – ABC News