Effect of Weekend Penalty Wage Rates in Australia

Effect of Weekend Penalty Wage Rates in Australia

On top of a generous minimum wage, the Australian government mandates "penalty wage rates" -- bonus wages for working after 10 p.m. or on weekends or public holidays. The result: Few restaurants are open late, and many small cafes stay open only as long as the owner can stand to be there, because he can't afford to hire a second shift of workers. The link leads to a discussion by restaurant owners about the impact on their businesses.