Woolworths has change into the most recent employer to permit employees the choice of working and taking the Australian Day public vacation on one other day.
Following within the footsteps of Channel 10 and Telstra, the grocery store is now letting their employees have a say on whether or not or not they work on January 26.
The day has change into some extent of controversy, with many advocates declaring the celebration of Australia Day to be insensitive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals.
Many first nations individuals contemplate the day – commemorating the arrival of the First Fleet and the colonisation of the nation.
About 160,000 Woolworths workers now have the choice to work the day, and take one other time off as a substitute.
Woolies is now the biggest single non-public sector employer to supply the selection to their employees.
A Woolworths spokesperson advised NCA NewsWire shops stay open on the twenty sixth anyway, so for a lot of it’s a regular working day.
“However, as a public holiday, it is voluntary,” they mentioned.
“Those who work on the day will be paid penalty rates, or accrue time in lieu to be used on another day, in accordance with the terms of their employment including any relevant enterprise agreement or award.
“We have provided our leaders with advice on how they can support team members who are uncomfortable about working and would prefer not to on that day.”
