workers-rights-compliance-campaign : Melbourne Indymedia

The Workers Rights Compliance Campaign aims to ensure that businesses in the City of Melbourne are adhering to the basic minimum standards required by law. It is common knowledge that in the areas of fast food, retail and hospitality many employers are not doing this.

Almost 900 letters have been sent to employers asking them to verify that they comply with minimum workplace standards. Those that are, and have it verified by their workers, will receive a sticker to display on their shop front window.

Like the sticker campaign that UNITE ran on Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, these stickers will become well known and customers will be able to make an informed choice about where they shop.

UNITE Secretary Anthony Main said this week that “what we are trying to do is clean up some of the dodgy practices that exist in the CBD.

“Cash in hand, unpaid trial work and terrible health and safety is common in the CBD. This campaign is aimed at both putting pressure on employers to do the right thing but also to let workers know about their rights.

“We have a situation where under the Howard government the laws have been made worse for workers but in many fast food restaurants and cafes it seems as if it is the law of the jungle. There is no reason why employers shouldn’t be sticking to the basic minimum standards.

“We are about providing people with a choice. Customers in the CBD will now be able to choose where they shop. They will know which employers are treating their workers with respect. We urge customers to ask shop owners if they have the sticker. If not - why not?

“When you run a shop you are trading on your reputation. We are saying to employers ensure that your reputation includes looking after your staff.” Anthony said.

UNITE encourages workers in the Melbourne CBD to contact us to find out how to ensure your employer is compliant with the law. Phone 93281555.