Public Forum for Young Workers at Risk

_{24, March 2006}

Sign Up for free e-mail updates!

 
Geoff congratulating newly appointed QBuild apprentices, (left to right) Matt Hutchinson, Nathan Blackburn and Greg Forster.

Young workers are at great risk of being treated unfairly by unscrupulous employers following the introduction of new workplace laws by the federal government.

State Member for Ferny Grove Geoff Wilson MP has expressed concern about potential risks to local young workers.  A public forum will discuss the impact of new workplace laws on young workers to be conducted at 6:00 pm, Tuesday 4 April at the Mitchelton State High School Hall.

Geoff Wilson said the new laws will affect young workers now and throughout their working lives.

“I am genuinely concerned about young people’s conditions of employment being seriously affected by new Federal industrial relations laws,” Geoff Wilson said.

“I have invited representatives from  the Young Workers Advisory Service and Commerce Queensland to address the meeting, as well as union representatives and young workers,” Geoff Wilson said.

The Beattie Labor Government is trying to stop these federal laws in the High Court. 

“Independent research that I commissioned last year found young workers easily become confused about their rights and have limited ability to bargain on their own with employers,” Geoff Wilson said.

“An agreement is where two or more parties agree on an overall decision that benefits all parties,” Geoff Wilson said.  “Under the new workplace laws, young workers will have very little power, or ability to influence a decision when bargaining for an agreement.”

“It is simply unfair on young workers, particularly casual and part-time employees, as well as young apprentices and trainees,” Geoff Wilson said. 

“While the vast majority of employers do the right thing by their employees, I am aware of instances of local young workers being exploited by their employers,” Geoff Wilson said.

“Local young workers and their families are invited to attend the forum,” Geoff Wilson said.  “Just contact my Electorate Office on 3851 1570 for more information.”

Related Links

More News