Greens look to protect penalty rates

The Greens will attempt to steer the second week of the federal election campaign towards workplace relations, claiming they are the only party that will protect weekend penalty rates.

The Fair Work Commission is considering a Productivity Commission recommendation that would reduce Sunday penalty rates to the same level as Saturday.

It would hit hundreds of thousands of retail and hospitality workers if the commission agrees.

While Labor is against the change, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has previously said he would accept the decision of the commission.

Greens MP Adam Bandt says such a position is everything that is wrong with Labor.

"They talk tough on protecting weekend rates, but will not do anything to protect weekend rates should they be cut," Mr Bandt told AAP.

Young people in particular depended on weekend rates to support themselves while studying.

They were already facing unaffordable housing, insecure work and low levels of student assistance, so cutting weekend rates would place them under immense pressure.

Mr Bandt will announce the Greens' position on penalty rates while campaigning in the inner-Sydney seat of Grayndler - held by Labor's Anthony Albanese - on Monday.