Industrial relations issues have worked in Labor’s favour during the campaign, with polling showing Opposition leader Peter Dutton’s short-lived pledge to force public servants back into the office fared poorly with voters.

The poll also said 44 per cent of people were more likely to vote for a party that had policies in place to protect penalty rates, compared to 10 per cent being less likely to give the party support.

Minister for Employment Murray Watt said workers deserve to be rewarded for working on weekends. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

Retail worker Pauline Lethborg said the extra money from penalty rates went a long way.

Earlier in the year, the Australian Retail Association submitted a proposal for some staff at large companies to opt out of penalty rates in exchange for a 25 per cent raise.

“We will always stand with workers to protect their wages so that we can help them deal with the pressures of today and get ahead in the future,” he said.