unite

Video Dogs admit paying workers with DVDs!

Unite — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 06:09:51 +0000

The owner of Video Dogs in Carlton, John Mallalieu, has been forced to admit he has in fact paid workers with DVD hire instead of wages.

After telling the media that “No one had been hired under the DVDs-for-work scheme” the Workplace Ombudsman has revealed that several other workers have not been paid in the past. Mallalieu has now paid these workers up to $100 for two hours work in an attempt to resolve the issue.

The Workplace ombudsman has now interviewed Mallalieu and retrieved the past six month’s employment records. They have found that on top of the DVD-for-work scam, Mallalieu has also underpaid some of his other workers by not paying proper weekend penalty rates. This is also now being rectified.

The Ombudsman is now endeavouring to contact all past employees of Video Dogs to ensure they have all been paid properly.

Despite the fact that Mallalieu has broken many laws it is highly unlikely that he will face fines or any other punishment. It is common practice that if an employer cooperates with the Ombudsman, and fixes the problem quickly, they can escape penalties. In other words ignorance is a legitimate defence for dodgy bosses!

Unfortunately this means that there is no incentive for other bosses to do the right thing. Once again this shows that young workers need to do more than just rely on the Workplace Ombudsman if they want to protect their rights at work. The only solution is to build a fighting union in fast food and retail where the majority of young people work.

If you are not being paid properly or want more information about how to organise your workplace contact UNITE on 93281555.

UNITE expose young worker super-exploitation

Unite — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:10:29 +0000

UNITE has exposed a video shop owner who offered young workers DVD hire instead of wages. A UNITE member who had enquired about an advertisement in the window of Video Dogs in Carlton alerted the union to the sign and UNITE blew up the story in the media yesterday.

The story made the nightly news on every channel as well as popular current affairs program ‘Today Tonight’. UNITE Secretary Anthony Main also did live interviews on radio stations throughout the day.

The timing of the incident was important as it happened only days after Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced his New Employment Standards (NES). These standards, while being slighter better than those under the Howard government, are still largely inadequate. Because of the recent announcement, and the fact that the incident made national headlines, both Rudd and the Workplace Ombudsman were under some pressure to prove that the standards and the IR regime were adequate.

Subsequently representatives of the Workplace Ombudsman were forced to initiate an immediate investigation. At 11am UNITE organisers and many media outlets were at the store to meet the owner at opening time.

The owner did himself no favours by initially telling the press that he had never advertised for young people to work for free. He claimed this while being filmed standing right next to the sign in the window!

He then went on to explain that it was OK to get people to work for free as many Non Government Organisations and charities do the same. UNITE smashed all of his arguments in the press and there is no doubt his trading reputation has been seriously damaged.

A spokesperson for the Workplace Ombudsman said that it would seek employment records and examine wage records and payslips from the past six months. They also said the employer could face fines of up to $33,000. While having no faith in the Workplace Ombudsman as a neutral body (who is currently investigating workers for simply defending jobs), this investigation is to be welcomed.

On this occasion media publicity and putting pressure on the Ombudsman has achieved a positive result, but it should be noted that the Ombudsman can not be relied on to solve the problems young workers face.

As UNITE have made clear, the solution to stopping the super-exploitation of young workers is to build fighting unions. As Anthony Main said today “we need to be organised in every workplace and not just in some city office. What the bosses fear the most is not just bad publicity but a fighting and well organised union in fast food and retail.”

If you want to join UNITE or know someone in fast food or retail who is being underpaid contact us on 93281555 or email or office.

UNITE blasts no-wage job!

Unite — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 03:12:04 +0000

Today UNITE has uncovered a serious example of young worker exploitation. The following article was carried on the website of the Herald Sun and we have had coverage on all of the main TV news and radio.

More details will be posted as they come to hand. In the meantime if you are not being paid properly at work contact UNITE on 93281555.

From the Herald Sun June 18, By Annalise Walliker

A rip-off or a move to a cashless society? A Melbourne store wants students to work for free DVD hire instead of wages.

A sign in the window of Video Dogs in Carlton reads ‘’DVD’s for free? Well almost…'’ Staff at the store confirmed two hours work each night would be remunerated solely with free DVDs.

Anthony Main, secretary for union UNITE, said it was one of the worst examples of young worker exploitation he had ever seen.

“We were alerted to the sign yesterday and where we visited the store last night it was confirmed by a staff member there were no wages involved,'’ he said.

“What will be next, working at McDonald’s in exchange for Big Macs?'’

Mr Main said paying staff with goods and services rather than a minimum wage was illegal.

“We ask the local residents to think twice about where they are renting their DVDS from,'’ he said.

“Our message is, don’t to business with dogs.'’

The Workplace Ombudsman is investigating, and will release a statement later today.

The Herald Sun is seeking comment from the store’s manager

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23883028-661,00.html

Are you safe at work?

Unite — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 03:50:32 +0000

A new report has shown that 15 per cent of young Australians (aged 12 to 24 years) are hospitalised for injuries sustained while at work.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report has shown that 12 per cent of these hospitalisations involved young people working for an income, while the other 3 per cent were engaged in work not for income.

The report noted that 7 per cent of young people aged between 15 and 17 years were hospitalised from injuries sustained while working and 19 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds. A higher proportion of males were hospitalised compared to females.

Occupational health and safety is an issue not just for factories and building sites but for every industry. Different sectors have different hazards and fast food and retail is no different. Hot and sharp hazards in fast food kitchens are common as are heavy items in retail. Workplace bullying is also a problem.

The fast food and retail sectors provide employment to thousands of young people. Young workers are generally injured at higher rates than adults. This is often because of a lack of experience or a lack of proper training or supervision.

Many young workers are not aware that they are entitled to compensation if they are injured. This includes the payment of medical costs and paid time off work. All workers are entitled to compensation; this includes full time, part time and casual workers.

Bullying

It is not just, cuts and burns or sprains and strains that affect workers in fast food and retail. The main safety issue that is of great concern to UNITE is that of workplace bullying and harassment.

It is estimated that about 25% of young workers are bullied at work. Being bullied does not just mean being yelled at but it can include being pressured to work overtime or being forced to work through rest breaks.

Disgustingly about 20% of young workers have also experienced sexual harassment at work. This is totally unacceptable and there are laws in place that protect you from this discrimination in the workplace. If you are being bullied or harassed at work contact UNITE. You don’t have to put up with this treatment. We can advise you about how to deal with these issues.

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, your boss has a general duty to provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risk to your health and safety. This means it is your bosses’ responsibility to make sure you are safe at work - not yours!

You also have the right to refuse to work if you think it is unsafe. It is illegal to be sacked for refusing to do unsafe work. This can include working off ladders at dangerous heights or carrying hot oil in unsafe containers. If an object is too heavy make sure you get help to lift it.

If you are injured at work remember you must –

1. Report the injury. Notify your boss or OH&S rep. as soon as it happens

2. Go to YOUR OWN doctor and get a medical certificate

3. Fill in a Work Cover claim form and give it to your boss ASAP

4. If there are any problems contact UNITE ASAP for advice.

UNITE can provide you with training about Occupational Health & Safety issues. We are also looking for members to become OH&S representatives in their workplaces. If you want to become an OH&S rep, want training about particular issues or just need to ask a question about an issue at work contact UNITE on 93281555.

Student’s rights at work: Casual Work

Unite — Tue, 06 May 2008 01:14:29 +0000

Australia has one of the highest rates of casualisation in the OECD. Over 27% of the Australian workforce is currently employed on a casual basis. For young workers aged 15 -24 years, the figure is much higher at over 60%.

What is casual work?

A casual worker is employed by the hour or by the shift rather than being employed on an ongoing permanent basis. Technically its temporary work, although the majority of casual workers have been in the same position for over a year!

The essence of casual work is that there is no entitlement to ongoing employment therefore you are forced to live without any security in your life. Casual workers have far less protection than permanent workers. This is due to the casual employment arrangement. As a worker, you are not entitled to notice of termination and you miss out on many of the entitlements that permanent workers have.

Casual loading

If you are a casual you are supposed to be paid a higher hourly rate of pay. This extra money is called a casual loading. It is generally between 15% and 25 % of the hourly rate paid to permanent workers. This casual loading is supposed to be compensation for missing out on all the other basic entitlements, but you receive nothing to compensate you for the lack of job security, the long term financial disadvantage and the never-ending stress that casual work entails.

Flexibility but for who?

Flexibility is supposed to mean that you work when you want to. In reality, it means that you work when your employer wants you to! Casual workers cannot have a normal life as they often have no notice of when they’ll be required to work. Bosses are not always flexible when you want time off to study, or go on holiday. Many workers find themselves unofficially ‘on call’ and if they refuse shifts they often lose their job.

Employers prefer to use casual workers because they are cheaper. It is a myth that casuals get paid more. Overall casuals are paid less because they do not get paid basic entitlements such as holiday pay, sick pay and public holiday pay. This means a major boost to employers profits, while not providing any financial security to their workers

It is also better from an employer’s point of view if they only have you working during busy times. This means they can save every last cent by not paying workers during down time. This is what bosses call ‘flexibility’ but in reality it means they increase their profits at the expense of our pay packets.

Casual workers are much more likely to be in fear of losing their job and as such face greater stress at work. Most employers take advantage of this and pressure their employees to work harder and faster.

Your rights as a casual worker

Bosses often try to make out that you have no rights at all in the workplace simply because you’re casual. This is not true. While you do receive fewer entitlements than permanent workers there are still many rights that you have as a casual worker.

Knowing your workplace rights is the first step in getting organised in your workplace.

For instance every casual regardless of their industry is entitled to:

• A pay slip.

•Join a trade union.

•Receive the minimum wage plus (in most cases) casual loading.

•A safe and healthy workplace as defined in the 2004 OH&S Act (Victoria)

•Workers compensation for lost wages and medical expenses if you are injured at work.

•9% Superannuation if you earn over $450 gross per month. (This is on top of your ordinary wages)

•Freedom from discrimination. Under the Equal Opportunity Act it is against the law to discriminate against someone on the basis of their gender, race, pregnancy, union membership etc.

Why has casual work exploded?

Casualisation has exploded in recent years as competition between employers has increased. This is partially a result of globalisation but also because bosses are searching for new ways to reduce wages and conditions in order to boost profits. Inevitably this had led to a ‘race to the bottom’ where bosses end up pitting workers against each other in order to drive down wages costs.

If you are sacked without reason

Of course one of the great problems for casual workers is being sacked without warning and without reason. Casual workers are commonly just ‘written off the roster’. Despite what your boss might have you believe, it’s important to know that even as a casual you have many rights in regards to dismissal. Even if you are a new employee, there are still laws to protect you and action you can take if you are treated unfairly.You may have a case for unfair dismissal or unlawful dismissal. This can lead to reinstatement or compensation. It could also lead to possible penalties against your employer. It is not legal for your boss to sack you for reasons such as raising health and safety concerns, being too old, or complaining about unfair shift changes.

Casual workers have all the same rights as permanent workers when it comes to health and safety and equal opportunities at work. If you are sacked it is important to seek advice and support from your union and co-workers immediately.

The solution – Casuals need to organise!

While it is more difficult to organise your workplace when you are a casual, it’s not impossible! Even casual workers have workplace rights. By sticking together we can win better wages and conditions. By organising casual workers into fighting unions we can force employers to give us the security in our lives that we deserve.

Why young people should join their union

Unite — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 05:26:58 +0000

What is a union?

A union is an organisation which brings together workers or students to fight for their collective interests. In a workplace this might mean fighting for better wages and conditions and on campus this might mean fighting for lower fees and better services for students.

When workers or students work together in a collective they have much improved bargaining power. The members of a union support each other so that we don’t have to face a problem or negotiate with the boss on our own. When workers stick together like this we have a much better chance of getting a better deal. The more union members the better the deal.

Despite the myths it has not been generous bosses that have handed over better wages and conditions to workers. Everything we have today is the direct result of unions fighting for a better deal.

Employers have historically resisted giving workers things like rest breaks, lunch rooms, reasonable hours and decent wages. On many occasions workers have had to withdraw their labour and strike for lengthy periods to win these basic conditions.

This is because workers and their employers do not have the same interests. Workers want shorter hours, higher pay, and better conditions. We want our work to be less boring, less dangerous, and less destructive to the environment. We want more control over how we produce goods and provide services. We want meaningful work that contributes to our communities and world.

Our employers, in contrast, want us to work longer, harder, faster, and cheaper. They want fewer safety and environmental regulations and they demand absolute control over all decisions, work rosters and actions in the workplace.

The easiest way to stand up for each other in our workplaces and on campus and the easiest way to improve our conditions is to join a union. That is why employers and governments fight so hard, and spend so much money, to keep unions out of their workplaces and off their campuses.

Unionised workers generally have better pay and conditions. More pay equals fewer hours at work and more free time. Union workplaces are safer and have less harassment and discrimination. This is because a union gives workers the power to make workplace decisions. The less we let our employers make all of the decisions, the better our lives and communities will be.

10 good reasons to join your union

1. People who belong to unions have better wages and conditions than non-union members. Union members on average earn 15% more than non-union members! This works out on average to $118 per week. Union members are also more likely to get overtime rates.

2. Unionised workplaces have better health and safety conditions and are more likely to have elected health and safety reps who can legally monitor health and safety at work. This means you are less likely to be injured at work.

3. Unions have a long and proud history of defending the rights of women. Anti-discrimination laws, paid maternity leave and family leave was won by unions who continue to fight for improved conditions for working women.

4. Overtime rates, annual leave, rostered days off, redundancy agreements and long service leave payments are all conditions that were won by unions. Unions are responsible for winning every single improvement in the rights and conditions of workers. Employers do not just hand over entitlements.

5. Unions support on the job education and training for workers. Union members are much more likely to have agreements with employers to pay for courses and provide time off for workers to attend them.

6. Unions have fought for better laws to protect low paid workers including outworkers. Unions like UNITE are currently fighting against low pay in the form of youth wages and for a boost to the minimum wage.

7. Unions members are more secure in their jobs. If you are a member of a union you are more likely to be in a position to force your boss to put you on full time. You are also less likely to be sacked unfairly because your boss knows you will have back up.

8. In tough economic times, employers will try to cut jobs and wages and increase productivity. It is unions that resist this trend to ensure workers are not burdened with economic losses.

9. Unions help to break down barriers in workplaces. They unite workers of different ages, genders, races and backgrounds so people don’t feel isolated and fearful of employers. Union members are less likely to be discriminated against at work.

10. Unions support important community campaigns. Unions fight against student poverty, for the environment, for women’s rights, Aboriginal rights and for a better life for all workers.

To join UNITE contact 93281555 or click here to download a membership form

Unite NZ – Going from strength to strength!

Unite — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:38:47 +0000

Unite Union membership in New Zealand has more than doubled to nearly two thousand in Restaurant Brands stores after a union employment agreement was reached last week covering 3500 workers in Starbucks, KFC and Pizza Hut nationwide.

“The enormous surge in growth of membership reflects the workers support at the outcome of negotiations for a new union collective agreement,” said Unite National Secretary Matt McCarten.

“We have now reached between 50 per cent and 100 per cent membership density in most fast food stores, which is an extraordinary result considering four years ago membership in the sector was less than a paltry one per cent – and the union is still growing.

“Wage rates moved for Restaurant Brands workers by 75 cents and $2.25 per hour (6.75 per cent - 21.37 per cent), meaning 90 per cent of members’ wages increased by more than a $1 an hour.

“Restaurant Brands now pays between 50 cents and $3.00 more an hour for their long-serving and experienced employees than their competitors.

“However, Unite and McDonald’s are currently in negotiations and Burger King and Wendy’s negotiations take place later in the year.

“Unite is pleased that Restaurant Brands is leading the way in moving wage rates and by recognising the importance of these kinds of union agreements to workers.

“The entire fast food industry is made up of casual workers. Restaurant Brands has recognised this and has agreed to provisions that work towards more secure hours for their employees, including the formation of a joint union-employer working party to oversee this.

“Youth rates have also been completely removed, which will have a huge effect as over half of the workforce is under the age of 20 years.

“Three years ago Unite launched the Supersizemypay.com campaign to achieve $12 an hour, end youth wages and win more secure hours. We are proud to announce that this has been achieved.” McCarten concluded.

A few key points-

• From 1 April Restaurant Brands scrapped youth rates and there will be no new entrant’s rates, which means the starting rate for youth is immediately $12.

• Pay rates went up between 6.75 per cent and 21.37 per cent. The hard work of the members on these sites to push through their demand for $12 an hour has really paid off and this historical agreement lifts the bar further for the fast food industry.

• Restaurant Brands has committed to working towards providing more secure hours for employees. A joint working party has been formed to achieve this.

Secretary of UNITE in Australia, Anthony Main said “We were really happy to hear the news this week about the great work that is being done over in New Zealand. A victory for young workers anywhere in the world is also a victory for young workers in Australia.

“We congratulate our brothers and sisters on their fantastic efforts. Unite in New Zealand are definitely leading the way internationally when it comes to organising young people in the fast food sector.

“The job at hand for us here in Australia now is to try to replicate some of their successes in the years to come” Anthony said.

For more information visit: http://www.unite.org.nz/

Student’s rights at work: Youth Wages

Unite — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 03:13:46 +0000

Low pay in the form of youth wages is the biggest problem facing young workers and students today. Even though young workers, students and apprentices are working longer hours than ever, more and more young people are living in extreme poverty.

One in seven undergraduates report going without food or other basic essentials. Students often now spend more than half their income on rent! One in four students, regularly miss classes to keep up with work commitments (Latrobe 2006 study), while many students have to drop out of higher education and training altogether because they simply can’t afford to study and work!

One way in which we can fight against student poverty is to organise our workplaces, and to fight for better wages and conditions. The first step, for all workers is to know your rights at work. Many students and young workers are not aware of their rights, and are often ripped off at work.

Youth Wages

Low pay in the form of youth wages is the biggest problem facing young workers and students today.

What are youth wages?

Most young people aged 21 years old or under only get paid a percentage of the adult rate. Youth wages or Junior Wages are rates of pay determined by how old you are. They are a percentage of an adult wage, and apply to most workers aged between 15 and 21. For instance, a 17 year old retail sales assistant would usually get paid 55% of a full wage, whereas a 19 year old doing the same job might get paid 80% of the full wage. A 21 year old worker would get the full adult rate.

Most young workers are employed in the retail, fast food, hospitality or customer service industries. Many companies in these industries are built around young low paid workers. Young people are the ones cooking the burgers, dishing out the soft serve and operating the cash registers. In supermarkets often 15, 16 and 17 year old workers operate the checkouts at 10 o’clock on a Saturday night, or spend their Sundays stacking shelves.

Often these companies also rely on 18, 19 or 20 year old workers to be duty managers and supervisors. This means that the majority of the most essential and basic work is done by young workers. These young workers make a valuable contribution to the workplace. They are hard working, energetic and often work in busy and stressful environments. They deserve decent pay.

Why are youth wages discriminatory?

So why do bosses think it is ok to pay some workers much less than others for doing exactly the same work? The concept of youth wages is nothing more than total discrimination on the basis of age. The simple reason that bosses pay young workers such low wages is to cut costs in order to boost profits.

There are a few ways that bosses cut costs. One way is by employing young people and paying them youth wages. Another way is by employing all of their staff on a casual basis. In a nut shell youth wages and casualisation equals massive profits for employers.

Did you know?

Until 1972 women were only paid about half of what male workers earnt. The arguments used by bosses in favour of giving young people less than a full wage, are the same as the arguments used by bosses in the past in favour of paying women less than men. It was only through organising women into unions and fighting that we achieved equal pay for women. A similar fight need to be waged today by young people. In the past some migrant and indigenous workers were only paid one third of the wage of their white co-workers. This was changed by both white workers, migrant workers and indigenous workers sticking together and fighting for decent pay.

Myths and facts about youth wages

Many bosses try to justify paying young people poverty wages. Below are some of the myths they use backed up by some real facts about the situation.

Boss’s myth: Young people need more supervision and training than older workers. That’s why you get paid less.

Worker’s fact: Many young workers have had previous work experience. Some have even worked as supervisors or managers. While all workers need some initial on the job training it is rubbish that young people are harder to train than adults. Often they are much easier to train.

If young people needed more training than older workers why is it that bosses often write young workers off the roster once they have turned 18 or reach the full adult age? This is only because it costs them more. They are not interested in having workers with experience only workers with small pay packets. The practice of writing people off the roster is of course illegal, and it’s discrimination on the basis of age. An employer cannot sack you for being too old.

Boss’s myth: Young workers don’t deserve the adult wage.

Workers fact: The fact is employers expect young people to perform the same duties and work just as hard as everybody else so it’s only fair for young workers to expect the employers to pay them a decent wage. The concept of equal pay for equal work should apply to all.

Boss’s myth: Young people are lazy.

Worker’s fact: Across the country 16 and 17 year olds are employed as supervisors and duty managers. Often they have to supervise people twice their age. The pace of work in fast food and retail is also much faster than in industries dominated by older workers. Most of the time young workers are juggling work and study commitments. This can hardly be called lazy.

Boss’s myth: Young people don’t have to support families. Therefore you don’t need full pay.

Workers fact: Most young people do support themselves in some form and often contribute to their household income. Young workers don’t get half price rent, food or petrol. If we get charged full price for the cost of living it is only fair that we get full pay. Because of youth wages many young people are forced to live in poverty even though they have jobs.

Boss’s myth: Abolishing youth rates would increase youth unemployment

Workers fact: The argument that employers will be less likely to employ young people if they have to pay them more is rubbish. There is absolutely no evidence to support this. When unemployment is at such low levels and with a chronic skills shortage where are they going to find these people to fill the jobs? Also most fast food and retail outlets want to attract young customers that is why they employ young workers.

Fight to abolish youth rates

Youth rates hurt all workers because the lowest wage in a labour market determines all other wages. This means that adults are more likely to be forced into accepting lower wages if they know that the boss could employ a young worker for less. Low adult wages mean more young people working on low youth wages to support their families. The long-term end result is lower wages for all workers. For students and young workers this means working extremely long hours just to make ends meet.

Age discrimination is just like all other forms of discrimination including sexism and racism. If we stick together we win. A win for young workers, is a win for all workers!

UNITE at the Big Day Out!

Unite — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:07:15 +0000

If you are going to the Big Day Out in Melbourne next Monday be sure to take some time between bands and come past the UNITE information stall.

We will be promoting the ‘Boost Our Pay’ campaign and handing out our new leaflets that we have produced in conjunction with the RMIT Student Union. The new info will focus on youth wages and health and safety at work.

Join UNITE

Unite — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:20:20 +0000

Are you planning on getting a casual job to make some extra cash over the holiday period? This is one of the busiest times of the year for the retail and fast food industries. Most shops put on extra staff to cover their increased work load.

It is common for bosses to try and rip young workers off during this period. Problems you may face at work include the underpayment of wages, not being given rest breaks, bullying and harassment or unsafe working conditions.

It is important that you are a member of UNITE so that we can represent you if any issues arise. UNITE is the fighting union for fast food and retail workers in Victoria and we help our members sort out a whole range of workplace issues. Be it negotiating a workplace agreement or making sure your boss sticks to it, UNITE will be there.

If your boss tells you that you are not allowed to join the union or that there is no union that represents your job they are lying! All workers are allowed to join a union if they wish to. It is illegal for employers to sack staff because they are union members or to coerce workers into not joining unions.

If you join UNITE your boss does not need to know you are a member. UNITE will never pass on your personal details to any third party. The benefit of being a member of UNITE is that if you come across any problems at work we can help you out. If you are not a member unfortunately you are on your own.

UNITE also has the cheapest union fees in the country ranging from $1 - $5 per week. So don’t wait until it’s to late join UNITE today. For more information contact the UNITE Office on 9328 1555.

Click the link on the right hand side of the UNITE home page called ‘Join the UNITE union’ to download a membership form and send it in to PO Box 925 North Melbourne Victoria 3051.