Workers get win

Fair Work Bill passes

LEGISLATION inspired by a Geelong 7-Eleven employee, designed to protect vulnerable workers, has passed the Senate.

The worker, known as Joseph, previously detailed to the Geelong Advertiser how he was forced into giving a portion of his wages back to his employer in order to keep his job.

Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson said the passing of the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2017 would protect vulnerable workers from similar cashback scams and other types of exploitation.

“Joseph’s case helped drive the Government’s determination to crack down on ‘cashback’ scams,” Ms Henderson said.

“The FWO’s new powers and the franchising provisions will be vital in tackling worker exploitation, such as workers employed by 7-Eleven.”

The Bill strengthens protections by: INTRODUCING a higher scale of penalties (up to 10 times the current amount) for a new category of “serious contraventions” of prescribed workplace laws; EXPRESSLY prohibiting employers from unreasonably requiring employees to make payments; STRENGTHENING the evidence gathering powers of the FWO to ensure that the exploitation of vulnerable workers can be properly investigated; and INTRODUCING stronger provisions to make franchisors and holding companies responsible for breaches of the Fair Work Act in certain circumstances.

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said the changes delivered on a significant election commitment.

“Our new laws not only support vulnerable workers, but also ensure businesses are operating on a level playing field,” Senator Cash said.