http://gregmclean.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/pizza-for-pay-workplace-flexibility-in.html A case of underpaid young
hospitality workers having their wages topped up with pizza and soft drink
exposes the consequences of the push from business and the Coalition for more
workplace flexibility, the ACTU said today.
The Fair Work Ombudsman
revealed today over 100 mostly teenaged employees of a pair of Melbourne pizza
restaurants had been underpaid by over a quarter of a million dollars.
It has been reported the
restaurant owner believed he could ‘top up’ their sub-minimum wage pay packets
by providing pizza and soft drinks.“It’s easy for business to
rail against red tape – but the consequences of cutting regulation are that more
workers will miss out on their pay and entitlements with no recourse,” said ACTU
Secretary Dave Oliver.
“Business has been out
making their views on workplace relations very clear: they don’t want to pay
penalty rates, they don’t want to pay additional superannuation, they want more
‘flexibility’ – but all on their own terms.
“When the Coalition says it
will introduce individual flexibility agreements into our industrial relations
system, it is paving the way for more employers to pay their workers in pizza
rather than fair wages.”
The ACTU reminds all workers
concerned they are not receiving their correct pay and entitlements to get
advice from a union.
Australian Unions are
holding ‘check your pay day’ on 12 July – urging workers to call our
helpline on 1300 4 UNION
(1300 4 86466) to get expert advice on what they should be paid – and what to do
if their pay is incorrect.
Media contact: Ben Ruse ph 0409 510 879
