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UNIONS WELCOME EMPLOYMENT AGE DECISION
24 April 2007
SA Unions has welcomed a decision by national fast food chain Hungry Jack's to review its employment policies to end exploitation of very young workers.
It follows revelations by SA Unions Secretary Janet Giles to a Parliamentary Committee that a 13 year old boy employed on a 4.00 pm until 1.00 am shift had been bashed by his 18 year old supervisory, and sacked the next day.
The company now says it will review its employment practices, with a view to raising the employment age of junior staff to 15.
Ms Giles says the company's decision is a victory for workers and unions.
"It goes to show that there is a point in speaking out on behalf of young people - and proves the worth of the Young Workers legal service and the value of union membership."
"This is a significant step forward in protecting very young workers from exploitation and abuse. We hope other companies follow Hungry Jack's example. But it is just one small step in protecting our most vulnerable workers."
"SA Unions is seeking strong Child Labour laws to mandate employment standards for children. Our proposed Bill includes strict standards on employment ages, protection from abuse, tough Occupational Health and Safety standards, and access to the Industrial Relations system in the event of breaches."
"SA Unions has worked hard to expose exploitation of the very young, especially since the introduction of the federal government's unfair IR changes which further strip away the rights and protections of workers."
"While the cooperation of companies like Hungry Jack's is very welcome, it is not enough. All companies employing juniors must be made to comply with strong, consistent standards regardless of their industry, to ensure the protection of child workers", Ms Giles says.
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