A backflip on the planned cuts to Sunday penalty rates would be supported by almost 70 per cent in Indi, according to a recent survey.
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The poll of 903 residents, commissioned by Victorian Trades Hall Council, comes as the union steps up pressure on Indi MP Cathy McGowan to vote against the Fair Work Commission decision’s on penalty rates.
Results showed 69.8 per cent of people polled believed Sunday workers should be compensated extra, 22.6 per cent believed they should not and 7.6 per cent were unsure.
When it came down to what Ms McGowan should do, results were closer.
Just 47.6 per cent of people said the MP should vote in Parliament to stop penalty rates being cut and 41.8 per cent opposed the move.
VTHC secretary Luke Hilakari said it showed Indi residents had “spoken loud and clear” and Ms McGowan should protect penalties.
“If Cathy McGowan refuses to intervene and prevent cuts to penalty rates, she will be turning her back on the voters who elected her,” he said.
“I know Cathy McGowan doesn’t want to be remembered as the two-term MP who lost her seat because she was prepared to see local wages slashed. She has a chance to stop that happening by supporting a bill to stop these cuts going ahead.”
The survey also found 42.6 per cent would be less likely to vote for her at an election if she did not support keeping penalty rates, 17.6 per cent would be more likely and 39.8 per cent would not change their vote either way.
The results have not changed the mind of Ms McGowan, who has supported the FWC’s decision to cut penalty rates for workers in the hospitality, fast food, retail and pharmacy sectors.
She said she had empathy for the concerns of people who voted in the poll.
“Since this became an issue I have consulted with unions, community members and employers within my electorate and I have read all the letters to the editor on the subject,” she said.
“While there are legitimate arguments against changing penalty rates, people’s wages shouldn’t be subject to political whim.
“I believe the best outcome for Indi is a stable industrial relations system with a strong independent umpire.”
Labor passed a bill in the Senate to block the decision, but Ms McGowan said it would only be introduced to the House of Representatives when the “political impasse” between the government and opposition was resolved.
