Your Rights

Everyone's rights at work

The National Employment Standards (usually referred to as the NES) are a set of 10 minimum employment conditions that have to be provided to all part time and full time employees. Your Award or Agreement can’t contain clauses that reduce these standards. Casual workers are only entitled to some of the conditions in the NES – this why we encourage workers to demand part time or full time work where possible, and why we fight to ensure young workers have job security. Full-time and Part-time Employees Maximum weekly hours Request for flexible working arrangements Paid parental leave Paid annual leave Paid personal and carers leave Paid community service leave Long service leave Public holiday leave, penalty rates, or time in lieu Notice of termination Receive a Fair Work Statement when you start working for a new employer Casual Employees Unpaid carers leave Unpaid compassionate leave Community service leave Receive a Fair Work Statement when you start working for a new employer If you have been employed as a casual for 12 months & it can be reasonably expected that your employment will continue, you are also entitled to: Request flexible working arrangements Parental leave Click here for a printable version of this information This is general information only and may not be relevant to your specific situation. Call the Young Workers Centre to get advice specific to your situation.

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COVID-19: Your Rights At Work

This is a really stressful time for so many young workers. COVID-19 is impacting everyone’s workplace and ability to earn a wage massively. We spoke on Triple J Hack, have produced videos and compiled these resources to answer commonly asked questions. Q. What responsibility does my employer have to keep me safe at work? Q. What rights do I have as a casual? Q: What are my rights if I lose my job? Q: Can my employer stand me down? Q. If we have to be quarantine or isolated, can my boss force me to take annual leave to cover it? Q: Can my boss reduce my hours? Q: What rights do I have as an apprentice? Q. What rights do I have as a gig economy worker? Q: My boss is trying to change my hours, and they’ve called a meeting for this afternoon, where they say we have to agree. Can I stop it? Q: I’ve been fired. My boss says it’s because of COVID-19 but I don’t think that’s true. What can I do? Q: What are my rights in relation to the JobKeeper wage subsidy?Q: What do I do if my boss isn't following Covid-19 safety measures? Q: Do I have to get a vaccine to attend my workplace? In most circumstances you've got to speak to your employer. It’s a lot easier to do that if you and workmates speak to your employer together and with the backing of a union. It’s never been a more important time to be a union member. COVID-19 is a new situation and our industrial and employment laws don’t deal with it, but having the support of a union sets you and your workmates up to navigate complex issues like this. Have more questions? The situation is ever-changing and you don’t...

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How to recover your stolen wages

1 in 5 young workers are being paid less than the legal minimum wage they are entitled to. Every week young workers come to the Young Workers Centre saying they’ve had their wages stolen. If you think you’ve had your wages or entitlements stolen from you, you’re not alone. We know it can be a daunting proposition to stand up to your boss and demand what you’re owed but this guide will empower you to do just that. Remember, the best way to recover your stolen wages to stick together with your co-workers. To make a legal enquiry head to out legal centre page. Download How to Recover Your Stolen Wages booklet

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Contracts

You don't have to sign a contract on the spot. Employment contracts can be confusing - trust us, we know! It’s really important that you understand any contracts that you sign, and it’s REALLY important that an adult is present when you sign a contract if you’re under 18. If you sign a contract and you’re under 18, it may not be legally binding without your parent or guardian co-signing it.

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