7-Eleven: Bullying and intimidation
UNITE has received several reports in the past few weeks from 7-Eleven workers who say they have been bullied by their franchise owners.
The workers have told us that there has always been low level bullying taking place but this has been stepped up as a result of the Workplace Ombudsman’s investigation into employment practices at 7-Eleven.
Many workers have been told not to speak to UNITE organisers and to call the owner as soon as an organiser enters the shop. Others have been threatened with dismissal if they are seen to be talking to anyone from UNITE.
At least two workers have also reported that their boss told them not to talk to inspectors from the Office of the Workplace Ombudsman. “They won’t find anything unless you give it to them” the franchise owner said.
This is obviously interfering with the Ombudsman’s investigation and a breech of Occupational Health and Safety legislation.
Systematic underpayments
7-Eleven have a clear strategy which is designed to pay their workers as little as possible in order to maximise their profits. Bullying plays a big part in this strategy.
UNITE estimates that at least 90 per cent of the 7-Eleven workforce is made up of international students. These student workers are systematically underpaid. Often they only receive half of what they are entitled to.
Because of this underpayment, practically all of the workers are forced to work more than 20 hours a week, therefore breaking their visa regulations. Most workers report that they do not want to work more than 20 hours but can’t afford to live otherwise.
7-Eleven franchise owners then use the fact that that the international student visa has been breeched to keep the workers in line. The workers are told that if they complain they will be reported to the Department of Immigration and deported.
A vicious circle then develops. The workers either complain about being underpaid, and risk being sent home, or put up with it leaving 7-Eleven to steal half of their wages every week.
Bullying in any form is illegal, but interfering with the work of the Ombudsman is a very serious matter. UNITE encourages any other 7-Eleven workers who have been bullied to come forward. We recommend that you document any incidents and report them to UNITE immediately.
UNITE also makes another appeal to 7-Eleven workers who have been underpaid to come forward. While we understand that bullying and intimidation is taking place, we need ALL 7-Eleven workers to stand up and come forward with evidence of underpayment.
Only on this basis we can ensure that the Ombudsman’s investigation is effective. We will then be in a much better position to reclaim the thousands of dollars of unpaid wages and fight for better conditions for both current and future 7-Eleven workers.