Chilis Workers - Tip of the Iceberg

Date: 03 August 2007

The Federal Workplace Ombudsmen's announcement today that the owners of Chilis Restaurant will be prosecuted for alleged breaches of Industrial Relations laws is just scratching the surface of the exploitation of young workers that has been made possible by the Federal Government's IR laws according to the South Coast Labour Council.

South Coast Labour Council Secretary, Arthur Rorris, said:

"Prosecuting Chilis is one thing repaying the Chilis workers the unpaid wages and other entitlements owed to them is another."

"The Federal Government has been forced to take action on the Chilis case but will not acknowledge that their own IR laws are to a great degree responsible for allowing the exploitation of young workers."

"Howard and Hockey have allowed AWAs to be imposed on young people expecting them to 'negotiate' with HR managers of corporations and then express "horror" when exploitation of young people is exposed."

"The Federal Workplace Ombudsmen have one hand tied behind their back as they tackle the symptoms of exploitation at the workplace whilst being prevented from addressing its root cause - the WorkChoices laws themselves."

A meeting will be held at 6pm on Thursday 16th August at the Illawarra Steelers Club, Burelli St Wollongong for all current and former Chilis Restaurant workers and other young workers who may be interested in attending. The NSW Office of Industrial Relations will be represented at this event and will provide information including making claims for pay and entitlements owed. Interested young workers and their parents can contact the South Coast Labour Council for more information on (02) 42 292 888.

Audio Grabs for Radio available at:

http://www.sclc.com.au/content/releases_2007.php

For further information

Contact:	Arthur Rorris
Union:	South Coast Labour Council
Phone:	(02) 4229 2888
Contact Mobile:	0409 223029

LaborNET is proudly created, designed and programmed
by Social Change Online for the Labor Council of NSW
[Credits] [Site Matters]