Australia: Agency Investigating Work Conditions at NSW-based Chain
|
|
|
|
Friday, 04 November 2011 |
|
A New South Wales-based chain of fuel service stations is under investigation by Fair Work Australia after allegations from unions. The Rana Group, which operates 20 facilities in the Hunter Valley Region near Sydney, has been accused of exploiting foreign workers, paying unlawfully low wages and forcing them to work long hours.
ABC Radio in Australia reported claims that the company sponsored up to 120 foreign workers, and obliged them to pay back the costs incurred into sponsorship. The workers were paid $8 AU an hour or less, according to Gery Kennedy of the Newcastle Trades Hall Council, and fined heavily for mistakes or instances where customers drove away without paying. Kenedy also alleged that the company forced workers to stay in accommodation, and took away some workers’ passports for safe-keeping. The case has been taken to Fair Work Australia, the national workplace relations tribunal.
“It is part of our sort of code of practice that people abide by the law in every way shape and form. If people find the competition is a bit tough and they are tempted to try to break the law, our advice is don’t. Other people are able to survive in a tough competitive environment by doing the right thing - so should they,” said Ron Bowden from the Service Station Association of New South Wales. Bowden added that the claims are disturbing and unacceptable if true.
PetrolWorld 04112011
|
