Last week UNITE organisers met with the 7-Eleven CEO and HR manager. UNITE was seeking a firm commitment from 7-Eleven Head Office that they will do all within their powers to ensure their franchisees were sticking to the law.

The UNITE organisers explained that the underpayment of wages was common across the board in 7-Eleven franchises. The illegal practice of unpaid trial work is also rampant. 7-Eleven management said that they did not support any franchisee breaking the law.

UNITE asked 7-Eleven to sign a ‘Charter of Workplace Rights for all 7-Eleven Staff’. The Charter basically outlines the minimum wages and conditions that should be afforded to all 7-Eleven staff according to the law.

From our point of view the signing of this Charter would show that 7-Eleven Head Office were serious about fixing the problems that exist.

7-Eleven have asked for some time to look at the Charter and to seek legal advice. As an act of good faith UNITE has decided to hold off on all actions while this is taking place.

Another discussion is scheduled with 7-Eleven management next week and we will know more about how our campaign will proceed soon after that.

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