Ombudsman to prosecute former 7-Eleven operators
Authorities trying to hide the full story of exploitation of international students
UNITE has been made aware today that the Fair Work Ombudsman is set to prosecute the former operators of two 7-Eleven stores in Victoria.
While this news is welcomed, UNITE remains frustrated that the Ombudsman is only scratching the surface of this case. UNITE first brought the issues of severe underpayment at these stores to the attention of the Ombudsman in January 2009. After 12 months and many protests outside these stores, only now is the case being taken to court.
The Ombudsman has announced that the allegations only relate to four former employees. They are chasing $85,408 owed to four workers from the period between 2005 and 2009. This is despite the fact that UNITE has furnished the Ombudsman with the details of more than a dozen employees that were systematically underpaid in the exact same way. UNITE estimates that the actual figure owed to the former employees from these two stores who have come forward about their underpayment is upwards of $200,000.
UNITE Secretary Anthony Main said “We are extremely disappointed with the conduct of the Ombudsman in this case. Not only have they failed to meet their responsibilities of investigating all of the underpayments, but they have refused to keep us and the workers informed about the state of proceedings.
“Some of the workers we represent have complained that despite constant phone calls to the Ombudsman they have never been contacted to come in for an interview. UNITE officials have also been denied a meeting despite months of asking for an update on the case.
“I am concerned that because many of the workers are Indian international students, the Government authorities are trying to sweep the issue under the carpet in order to protect their reputation.
“If the Fair Work Ombudsman is to maintain any credibility they need to come clean about the scams going on at 7-Eleven. It’s not just these two operators who are at fault. The double hours scam is widespread and international students are being ripped off everywhere” Anthony said.
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s media release can be read here.