I'm a 16-year-old high-school student who commenced casual work on March 15th. My employer was Pulp Juice Bars Operations Pty Ltd.
I was told that I would be paid $9.52 per hour on weekdays and $14.28 on Sundays, but that all changed after the company was liquidated and we were sacked on March 24th.
The new owner, POW P/L, said we could still work for Pulp, but for only $8.57 per hour and no penalty rates on the weekends or public holidays. My pay for the two days dropped from $99 to $65.
I asked my Dad, "This can't be right?" I was still making the same juices; it just wasn't fair.
Dad rang the new owner and asked what was going on. The owner said if I didn't like the new rates he would find someone else.
Dad got a copy the new AWA and it had the new Work Choices rates in a table. Dad rang the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association and was told that those Work Choices rates were lower than the minimum state award. The SDA said that they would help me, so I joined the union.
After the Sydney Morning Herald printed my story, the SDA tried to talk to Pulp and reason with them, but Pulp weren't interested. The SDA filed a dispute with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission arguing that I should still be paid under my old agreement.
We were successful and I had my pay rates restored, as well as back pay for those shifts after the 24th. But since the AIRC ruling the owner doesn't want me to have any more Sunday shifts.
Many kids of my age don't know much about our rights at work and we need to be on the lookout for those who will take advantage of us. If you think you are not being paid properly, tell someone. Don't sign anything you don't understand; ask someone.
I hope by me speaking out other young workers can see that you can stand up for your rights and win.
[Abridged from Amber Oswald's statement to the June 1 national student strike against Work Choices.]
From Green Left Weekly, June 7, 2006.
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