Retail Giants feel the sting of Online Retailers and Australian Labour Laws

Three of Australia’s retail giants, Woolworths, Westfield and Myers have reignited their criticism of Australia’s Industrial Relations Law warning that high labour costs could ultimately lead to job losses in the retail sector.

The retail giants have warned the current Labor Government that high labour costs are contributing to the increase in prices for consumer goods which would lead to job losses amongst that which was once the largest employer. Given the comparatively cheaper prices of commodities via the internet and the surging Australian dollar, Westfield has warned that the current labour laws put the Australian market at a significant disadvantage.

Facing the this increasing pressure from Australian retailers especially over the GST and import duty exemption for online purchases worth less than $1000, the government has announced that the Productivity Commission would make the appropriate inquiry. The draft report is due in August.

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