An article published in "The Weekend Australian" on Saturday raised the issue of employers taking advantage of students in the workplace with regards to pay and conditions. An example in the article was of an international student who worked 18 hours cleaning serviced apartments in Sydney and was paid only $10 for his efforts. The student was also told that when he completed his training period he would be paid only $16 per apartment he cleaned and not an hourly rate.
Everybody working in Australia, either part or full time, be they a citizen, permanent resident or student has rights protected by Commonwealth Workplace Law. This law sets down conditions of employment such as minimum hourly wage, hours and conditions of work. By not paying the student in the article the minimum hourly rate for 18 hours of work, the employer broke the law and is liable for prosecution.
The government body which investigates and prosecutes breaches of Workplace Law is the Workplace Ombudsman. Currently there is a campaign underway by the Ombudsman to raise student awareness of their workplace rights.
The Ombudsman has produced a very useful pamphlet specifically for international students.
Depending on the industry in which an employee is working, they may also be covered by an "Award" which sets out further conditions of employment and protections for an employee.
If you believe you may have been underpaid or have any questions about your conditions of employment you should contact the Workplace Ombudsman Help Line on 1300 724 200 or speak to a Unilife Student Advocate.
No comments:
Post a Comment