Hospitality industry

Everyone working in Australia has the right to fair and safe work. It is important to understand your work rights, signs of unfair and unsafe work, and where to go for advice and support.
Your rights at work include:

Receiving the right pay: use the Fair Work Ombudsman Pay and Conditions Tool to calculate your pay rate.

Entitlements like leave, breaks, and rostering are based on your work contract. Find out more about your entitlements here: Fair Work Ombudsman – Understanding the fast food and restaurant industries

Superannuation: for information and help about your super, visit Australian Taxation Office – Super

Safety at work: every worker has health and safety rights in the workplace. Find out more about your workplace health and safety here: Safe Work Australia – Working safely fact sheet- multicultural resources

The right to join a union: unions can help workers with workplace problems and job protection. Search here to find out if joining a union is right for you: find your union

Access to support:

R U OK- Resources on looking after yourself in the hospitality industry

Signs of poor working conditions include:
  • Not being paid the right amount based on industry standards
  • Excessive work hours beyond industry standards
  • Discrimination, bullying or any unfair treatment towards you
  • Sexual harassment - any inappropriate comments or touch
  • Not being provided with appropriate protective equipment to do the work safely and comfortably (gloves, glasses, mask, apron, ear muffs/ear plugs)
  • Not being trained to use equipment or products safely
  • Working with equipment or tools that are broken or unsafe

If you are experiencing any of the above, help is available, you can find out about support options here

Signs that it may be modern slavery include:
  • Violence, threats, or harm towards you or your family
  • Withholding wages or not being paid for a long time
  • Being prevented from leaving accommodation unless to attend workplace
  • Excessive overtime, often without meal or rest breaks
  • Being prevented from access to your visa or important documents
  • Not being able to leave or visit other people or places alone
  • Being prevented from seeing a doctor or medical professional if you are unwell

If you are experiencing any of the above, help is available, you can find out about support options here.

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