Weekend penalty rates for
shop assistants are the subject of much political debate following the Fair
Work Commission’s decision to allow lower Sunday rates. One retailer has
decided to ignore the ruling and possibly earn bonus points with its customers.
Cosmetics retailer Lush
announced on Facebook last week that it would ignore the ruling that would lower
their wage costs because “the happiest and most productive employees are those
who feel safe, valued, and listened to by their employers.”
Lush indicated that the
concept of fair trade is not just relevant to growers but also to their employees.
They say that the support from customers has been very positive.
Consideration of employee’s
wishes is not a new trend. Late last year, one of America’s biggest shopping
malls closed on the busy Thanksgiving Day to allow employees to spend time with
their families.