A significant number of young Australians are facing exploitation in their workplaces, according to the recently released “Fair Day’s Work” report by the Melbourne Law School. The report highlights alarming trends affecting workers aged 18 to 30, revealing that one-third of them are reportedly underpaid, receiving wages as low as $15 per hour—far beneath the current minimum wage of $24.95.
The findings emerge from a survey of 2,814 young workers, revealing distressing patterns: approximately 25% reported not receiving their superannuation, nearly 38% were denied breaks they were owed, and 35% had their recorded hours unjustly adjusted. Additionally, nearly 10% of the survey respondents indicated that they were compensated with goods rather than cash, while 8% experienced pressure to return part or all of their wages to their employers.
The report’s authors, Professor John Howe and Tom Dillon, emphasised the pervasive issue of underpayment, particularly affecting young workers who often lack knowledge of their rights and entitlements. Factors such as low union membership, precarious job structures, and limited bargaining power further heighten their vulnerability to mistreatment.
Moreover, the research indicates that workers who identify as non-binary face a higher risk of exploitation compared to their male and female counterparts. Additional demographic factors, such as having a disability, being a non-permanent resident, or speaking English as a second language, also contribute to an increased likelihood of workplace abuses.
Interestingly, while many young workers are hesitant to report their issues to authorities such as the Fair Work Commission, those who did shared their positive experiences. This highlights a broader reluctance among this demographic to pursue formal complaints regarding workplace mistreatment.
The report underscores the complexity of addressing exploitation tied to various social factors, including gender, race, and citizenship. It notes that these issues often intersect, making it challenging to confront them through singular approaches. Furthermore, existing discrimination enforcement mechanisms are described as inadequately equipped to handle these problems effectively.
In an effort to address these serious concerns, the report includes six recommendations aimed at reform, advocating for improved compliance measures in industries with high rates of exploitation, better regulatory oversight, and the exploration of digital solutions to combat workplace abuses.
Overall, the findings shed light on the urgent need for systemic changes to protect young workers from unfair practices in the Australian labour market.