Workers rights advocates have called for industrial relations commissioners to spend two weeks in their shoes , amid renewed calls for cuts to penalty rates . United Voice , a union representing more than 120,000 Australian workers across hospitality , health , aged care and manufacturing industries , has said penalty rates are crucial to the workers it represents . 'When workers talk about penalty rates they talk about economic survival , ' United Voice ACT secretary Lyndal Ryan told the Canberra Times . United Voice , a union representing more than 120,000 Australian workers across hospitality , health , aged care and manufacturing industries , has said penalty rates are crucial to the workers it represents ( stock image ) 'When workers talk about penalty rates they talk about economic survival , ' United Voice ACT secretary Lyndal Ryan said ( stock image ) Australian Hotels Association chief executive Stephen Ferguson said it would be 'ridiculous ' if penalty rates were not considered in any workplace relations reform . Ms Ryan 's comments come as the union made its submission to the upcoming Productivity Commission review . The submission called for commissioners to spend two weekends working in industries such as aged care or hospitality , rule out considering income from tips in its findings and to study the economic benefits of penalty rates . However , industry representatives have said penalty rates have to be up for discussion if a major review of workplace relations is to take place . Australian Hotels Association chief executive Stephen Ferguson said omitting them from the conversation would be 'ridiculous ' . 'The current structure of paying 275 per cent [ of ordinary wage rates ] on these public holidays - our research says this does n't stack up , ' Mr Ferguson said . 'We do n't step away from the fact that a Sunday is different from a Monday , for example , all we 're talking about is the quantum . ' Mr Ferguson said the AHA 's submission to this year 's Productivity Commission will be lodged on Monday , and will push for changes that would see unsociable work hours instead called 'additional rates ' and make the wages mark-up less generous . Hospitality worker and United Voice delegate Nicolette Marks said her hourly rate was about one- third higher during night hours but was well earned . Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Kate Carnell ( pictured : left ) and ACTU president Ged Kearney ( pictured : right ) will debate workplace relations at the National Press Club next week . 'Working in an industry that has alcohol , we have people at the bar talking to us to 4am , then you have the people who are rude and abuse you , ' she said . 'It 's kind of like collateral damage pay . ' Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Kate Carnell and ACTU president Ged Kearney schedule to debate workplace relations at the National Press Club on Tuesday . Employment Minister Eric Abetz has previously said the government will not be interfering with the Fair Work Commission . Treasurer Joe Hockey 's terms of reference for the pending inquiry also did not mention penalty rates . Those comments contradicted Prime Minister Tony Abbott , who has said he could seek a mandate for changes to penalty rates at the 2016 election . Treasurer Joe Hockey ( pictured : left ) did not mention penalty rates in his terms of reference in his request for Productivity Commission undertake an inquiry into the workplace relations framework . Employment Minister Eric Abetz ( pictured : right ) has previously said the government will not be interfering with the Fair Work Commission .
Australian Hotels Association says workers rely on penalty rates for 'economic survival ' Call on commissioners to work in hospitality for two weeks before cutting . Union says 'ridiculous ' not to discuss changes . Business and worker heads set for debate at National Press Gallery .