FACTS and Frequently Asked Questions

CONFIDENTIALITY?

YWAS is often contacted by  parents, grandparents, carers/guardians and friends of young workers. We are happy to assist as we understand that  these groups may be relied upon by many young workers for advice about work and may also see information on behalf of young people.

If we talk to a young person and then to thier representative we will check in with the young person about what they are comfortable to disclose.

BREAKS AT WORK

Q. Am I allowed to take a break during my shift?

A. There are different entitlements under various awards and agreement but you are usually entitled to have a 10 minute break (paid) for every four (sometimes 5) hours of work. Breaks are important for health and safety reasons. Check with your Award or agreement for specific arrangements at your workplace.

WAGES AND ENTITLEMENTS 

Q. Can my Boss deduct money from my wages without my permission even if I am overpaid? 

 A. Your employer is not legally entitled to deduct anything from your wages unless agreed to in writing, or allowed by industrial instrument (ie award) or by law.

 Q.What happens to my pay when I end my employment?

A.You are entitled to be paid within 3 days of being terminated/resignation from your employment.

Q I haven't been paid the right amount or at all. What can I do?

A. You can speak or write to your employer or payroll to check if there has been a misunderstanding or oversight. If this is not the case, you can make a wageclaim.

State or Local Government employees - General information about wages and entitlements: Department of Justice and Attorney-General website 

All employees - Claims and information:

Fair Work Ombudsman Ph: 13 13 94

If you have any difficulty getting the information you need please call

YWAS 1800 232 000

Q. My employer expects me to stay an hour after the store closes to clean up but I am not paid for this time worked and I am not allowed time off on another day instead. What do I do?

A. We suggest that you make a record of all dates and times you have worked and keep it at home. You can speak to your employer to check if there is a misunderstanding because you should be paid for work you do. If this is not the case you can make a wageclaim for the hours worked see contacts above. Some employees are expected to do reasonable additional hours but they must be compensated for them.
Call YWAS for more information.

Q. I am being bullied at work. What can I do?

A. Bullying and harrassment a work are complex issues and there is an Advisory Standard set by the Qld Goverment Fair and Safe Work that should be followed in workplaces. It is good to talk your concerns through with someone you can trust. It can be useful to keep notes of dates time names and what happened, these can be used if you decide to make a formal complaint. You should also be able to raise the matter with your employer or manager to seek their assistance. If it is not resolved you can call the Workplace Bullying Hotline on 1800 177 717 or YWAS for assistance.

Q. Sometimes when it is too busy I am not allowed to have a meal break. What can I do?

A. We suggest that you make a note of the dates and times you work through your meal break and keep it at home. You may be required to work through your meal break however you should be paid extra (penalty rates) when you do. You can talk to your employer to check if there is a misunderstanding. If this is not the case you can make a wageclaim for the pay owed.

For more information, please go to Unions Australia or contact us.