A Coles worker who joined Opposition Leader Bill Shorten at a media conference yesterday and claimed that he would lose Sunday penalty rates he relied on "to make ends meet" will reportedly be unaffected by the cuts.
Sydney man Trent Hunter appeared with Mr Shorten and employment spokesman Brendan O'Connor to show the impact of the Fair Work Commission's decision to cut penalty rates for Sunday shifts in retail, hospitality and fast food.
"I rely on Sunday penalty rates. I am rostered on every single Sunday," Mr Hunter said.
"I will now lose $109 a week, that is insane. I rely on the penalty rates to make ends meet and to pay for my fuel, my rent and to pay for my food."
However, the ABC reports Coles later contacted them and said Mr Hunter would not be impacted by the Fair Work Commission's decision.
"Store team members at Coles are employed under an enterprise agreement and therefore are unaffected by today's decision," the retail giant said.
Mr Hunter has not commented on the development.
The Fair Work Commission's landmark decision will see significant reductions in Sunday and public holidays across the industries, but not to Saturday levels as originally thought.
The rates differ across the different industries, which will likely cause divide between unions and business sectors.
The announcement of the cut yesterday parked outrage and some protests.