NCJ Number
220887
Journal
Youth Studies Australia Volume: 26 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2007 Pages: 10-18
Date Published
September 2007
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study addresses the gap in literature, on the internal conflicts that arise in individual workplaces that employ youth, by exploring hundreds of cases of inquiries made to the Young Workers Advisory Service in Queensland.
Abstract
In investigating cases involving alleged breaches of employer responsibility in regards to youth pay, large numbers of pay-related complaints received by the Youth Workers Advisory Service over a 3-year period highlight that these problems, despite industrial laws and increased community awareness, are continuing. The most prevalent issues were unpaid wages or benefits and unpaid entitlements. Underpayments, where hourly rates of pay were inconsistent with those stated in employment contracts, were also commonly reported. Young workers, as well as all workers, would do well to increase their knowledge of their rights and responsibilities in employment. There also needs to be correct information sharing about the new workplace relations laws. Today, young people have a greater tendency to be employed in part-time, casual work while at school. Young people have become vulnerable in employment, such as low-average weekly earnings and reduced access to collective representation. However, little is known about the internal conflicts that arise in individual workplaces that employ youth. This study investigated 700 cases involving alleged breaches of employer responsibility in regards to youth pay. It provides empirical evidence of the nature of exploitative practices in relation to remuneration and employment conditions in young people’s workplaces. Table, notes, and references