Unite calls for amnesty for 7-Eleven workers

Issue 
Campaigning in 2010 for better wages and conditions.

Unite, a group that seeks to organise casual workers in Victoria, has called on the federal government to give an amnesty to any past or present 7-Eleven workers who may have breached their international student visa conditions.

After ABC’s 4 Corners revealed the 7-Eleven half-pay scam the company was forced to launch its own independent investigation of the claims of underpayment. The Fair Work Ombudsman is also investigating the widespread underpayment of wages at 7-Eleven stores.

Unite secretary Anthony Main said: "We are calling on the Immigration Minister, Peter Dutton, to give amnesty to anyone who may have inadvertently breached the 20-hours a week work restriction rule.

"The vast bulk of people who have breached this rule did so under duress. They had to live while having half of their wages stolen from them.

"Unless these people are offered amnesty many will be reluctant to come forward and the full extent of this rip off will not come to light.

"The government has the responsibility to ensure that the truth comes out, especially given that the Fair Work Ombudsman has been very slow to act against 7-Eleven.

"We firmly believe that if amnesty is given and deportation is taken off the table thousands of people will come forward with claims of underpayment.”

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.