In this case the difference in interpretation has come from another employer body, the Australian Industry Group. It's main concern is the impact on labour hire firms which provide at least 80,000 workers to other companies - mostly casuals. But Matt Moya, principal advocate with the Industry Group, says he's still prepared to talk to the ACTU in a bid to find common ground. Labour hire firms are not in the position to guarantee a return to work, given that the client company controls the nature and length of the assignment. If not exempt then certainly there needs to be flexibility there to cater for labour hire situations.
Small business needs to be taken into consideration.
Matt Moya says granting those exemptions would be a big first step, but the Industry Group is still concerned that some awards already provide a loading to compensate for the lack of parental and maternity leave. In the Metal Industry Award that amounts to 25 per cent. The Commonwealth agrees that's one issue the Industrial Relations Commission should take into consideration. The ACTU's Richard Watts is confident that the hurdles can be overcome. And the Hotels Association, which is also holding out in opposition, will come on-board.