AFL holiday hell for businesses

Grand Final Eve? No thanks, says Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce boss Geoff Gwilym.

He’s even urging members to send invoices for the day’s wages directly to the premier.

The VACC executive director is taking a stand on behalf of the membership of one of the state’s biggest employer associations and working on the new public holiday – and donating the day’s salary to charity.

Friday’s public holiday is forcing businesses to either open up and pay workers double time, or close and lose productivity and money, he says.

“The Labor Government’s recent decision to establish a new public holiday on AFL Grand Final Eve will negatively impact thousands of Victorian businesses,” said Gwilym.

“I am standing in support of VACC’s members and the wider business community who stand to lose thousands of dollars, whether they open or close their businesses on the Grand Final Eve public holiday.

“For businesses that open, the new public holiday will increase member wage bills and reduce productivity at a time when most businesses simply cannot afford it,” he said.

Victoria is now the champion state when it comes to public holidays – with 13 days, more than any other state.

The AFL Grand Final Eve and Easter Sunday holidays are estimated to cost up to $850 million in forgone economic value for the state, while knocking wage bills up by as much as $286 million.

The VACC employs 109 staff and 400 apprentices.

“In the interests of business and of the Victorian economy I ask that Premier Andrews reconsiders his government’s decision to instigate these holidays in future,” he said.