Letter to the Editor of MX - Employment activity

01/08/2008

Melbourne city casual’s experiences in the workplace (Dishing dirt on hotels, 31/07/08) are disturbing - extra work with no concessions or extra time, unpaid work, speaking up for better conditions then having your shifts cut back.

In March this year, treating employees unfairly because they make a reasonable request for information about their employment entitlements or express concerns about whether they will receive their entitlements became against the law under the Equal Opportunity Act. That means that you can make a complaint of discrimination on the basis of employment activity to the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission.

People have the right to ask their boss about their pay rates, overtime and concessions, and/or express concerns about entitlements to a safe workplace under existing occupational health and safety laws, without being penalised. The new law doesn’t mean that employers have to grant your request – but if they cut your hours, sack you or otherwise treat you unfairly because you have raised an issue about your entitlements, they run the risk of a discrimination complaint.

And employers take note: you are not only legally responsible for your own actions but also for the behaviour of your staff.

For more information visit www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au or call our Advice Line 03 9281 7100

Dr Helen Szoke
Chief Conciliator/Chief Executive Officer
Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission