Have you ever been in a situation at work where you felt uncomfortable? Have you ever quietly wondered whether something your boss did or said was allowed?
Perhaps you’re worried that you might get into trouble? Or maybe that you might even lose your job? Sometimes, just the thought that speaking up might cause tension or pressure, is enough to create silence.
These kinds of situations happen every single day in workplaces and many young people, just like you, fear the consequences if something were to be said.
However, these fears are entirely valid, and there are a number of organisations and legal centres dedicated to helping young workers who face employment-related issues such as underpayment of wages or unlawful wage deductions, misuse or allocation of leave, independent contract scams, or even unfair dismissal.
This year, I was part of the ACU Work Rights Volunteer Program and received training from The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) . We learned about the National Employment Standards (NES), types of workers, and different awards that detail work standards and requirements, as well as the FWO services to the public, including the provision of educational materials and services, assessing complaints and in some circumstances actioning litigation in order to enforce workplace laws. The training equipped us with the skills to promote work rights to our peers.
Another great organisation to approach is the Young Workers Centre, which focuses on education, advice and advocacy depending on what is required. They cater for any worker under the age of 30 and strive to ensure that people are getting the treatment they deserve, both in an environmental and legal sense.
Likewise, JobWatch, is an employment rights legal centre, that provides a number of services including a free and confidential telephone information and referral service, community legal education, and legal representation if needed.
In summary, your rights have been set into law for a reason: because they are important! You need to not only understand what they are, but how they can impact on you and those around you. You are fully entitled to be treated fairly in the workplace, and you are fully entitled to ask questions about your rights, and nothing should come in between you and those entitlements. You may not have legal training, but you can always ask for help!
So, speak up! It’s ok to ask questions. Someone facing the same problems might benefit from your courage!
Article written by: Nicole Green (LLB), Work Rights Coordinator, Melbourne Campus
If you would like to find out more about becoming an ACU Work Rights Volunteer, please contact Daniel Laurence, Careers Advisor at: daniel.laurence@acu.edu.au
