Australian retailers are renowned for their bitter battles over price, but they’ll lay down their swords when they come together to discuss current and emerging trends at an Industrial Relations Breakfast Series hosted by the National Retail Association (NRA) in March.

Key speakers from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will educate retailers about recent industrial relations reforms which have added, and will continue to add, substantially to retail labour costs at a time when the retail sector is facing unprecedented challenges.

NRA executive director Gary Black said the organisation has taken a number of legal steps against the Australian Labor Government’s industrial relations reforms which have negatively targeted the struggling retail industry.

“Retailers have come to realise that although they may work in completely different sectors that have very different demands, they have shared interests when it comes to award modernisation which will affect retail across the board,” Black said.

“Despite a promise of cost neutrality, award modernisation will add between five and 10 per cent to retail labour costs, and watered down definitions of equal pay will allow unions to push for higher pay rates in industries where female employment dominates.

“These breakfasts will also incorporate a discussion on actions the NRA is taking to defend the interests of Australian retailers and ensure the success and long term sustainability of our industry.”

The NRA is encouraging all retail CEOs, CFOs, operations managers, human resources generalists and industrial relations specialists to attend the event.

“We are committed to educating retailers on economic and other effects of emerging industrial relations legislation,” Black said.

“Retailers must work together to understand and combat this harsh legislation which will cripple many retailers already facing so many other challenges.”

To register for this industry event contact Gemma Axford on 1800 RETAIL (738 245) or email events@nra.net.au. The breakfast costs $45 for NRA members and $75 for non-members.

Event details
Sydney
Thursday 1 March
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
27 O'Connell Street

Melbourne
Thursday 15 March
Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Cnr Exhibition & Lonsdale Streets

Time
7.15am registration
7.30am – 9am