FACTS and Frequently Asked Questions

Did you know?

YWAS do talks to groups other than secondary school students. For example we talk to Get Set for Work participants.

YWAS talk to parents, grandparents, carers/guardians and friends of young workers. We do this in acknowledgement that parents etc are relied upon by many young workers for advice about work and may need advice to assist.

When we talk to parents etc we always maintain confidentiality about any discussions with the young worker.

Did you also know?

You are supposed to have a 10 minute break (paid) for every four hours of work. Breaks are important for health and safety reasons.

Everyone, YES, everyone, working in Queensland is entitled to a pay slip!

Your employer has NO right to deduct anything from your wages unless agreed to in writing, or allowed by industrial instrument (ie award) or by law.

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

Anyone can chose to be a member of a Union, you don't need to inform your employer that you are a member. (Call Queensland Council of Unions 3846 2468)

Some Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

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:

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 advise 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 MUST 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. We recommend that you keep notes of dates time names and what happened at home. You can speak to your employer or manager to seek their assistance. If it is not resolved you can call the Workplace Bullying Hotline on 1800 177 717

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.