Young Workers Advisory Service (YWAS) is a state-wide safety-net Queensland government funded community organisation that provides information, advocacy, referrals and advice to young workers (25 and under) in Queensland about employment/industrial relations concerns.

YWAS provides advice and assistance to young Queensland workers on the following:

Working Conditions - what's fair and safe

Responding to a warning letter or a grievance

Understanding Employment Contracts and breaches

Appeals of cancellations of Training Contracts for Apprentices and Trainees 

Sexual harassment or discrimination claims

Obligations and rights at work, ie what you need to know when starting a new job

Representation in unfair dismissals and employment claims in the relevant jurisdictions.

Representation at the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland or Australian Human Rights Commission

Accessing your entitlements ie breaks, annual leave and sick leave. 

Information sessions and School Talks about workplace rights and obligations - for more information, please click here.

 WHAT YWAS DOESN'T DO

Due to the objectives and size of our organisation we are not able to undertake work such as:

Calculate, investigate or pursue wageclaims

Represent employees at their workplaces

Negotiate Enterprise Bargaining agreements

Deal with complaints about your Union 

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU CONTACT US

Confidentiality - what you tell us remains confidential.

Information we keep - we have reporting requirements and this includes for example how many people call us, the suburb they live in and the kind of work they do. The reported information is not linked to peoples names or who they work for it is provided in the form of quantitative statistical data.

We may also ask for an evaluation of our work, for example when we undertake casework - its important to hear if we are doing a good job or can make improvements. Again this is kept confidential.

So... when you contact us we will ask some questions about you and what your situation is but be assured it is kept confidential.

What else you can expect

The person who answers the phone will listen to you and provide information, advice and referrals. They may need to gather some information and get back to you. This wiil usually be done within a few minutes.

We will not judge you but we will give an opinion and advice about your situation and options. The opinion or advice will be based on employment law and practices and our experience as industrial relations officers

We will be friendly - not grumpy.

If you visit our offices we will speak with you as soon as we can (usually within 10 minutes) or we will make a time to talk that is mutually suitable. Sometimes there will only be one staff member here.

If you wish to - Please call us and ask us about what we do. You can do this anonymously.

 Joining a Union - the benefits

More info: ACTU (click here)

YWAS wants to hear from you!

Got a story to share about your experience with work - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you have a workplace issue click here.

Work is a great way to meet other people, earn some extra pocket money and learn new skills. It is important to know what your rights are in the workplace...

if you are unsure ask teachers at school, call the Young Workers Advisory Service (YWAS) freecall on 1800 232 000, you can speak to wageline (1300 369 945), or contact a union (07 3846 2468).

Finding the right balance between study and work is really important. TIP: keep the lines of communication open between you and your employer. If you are not able to make a shift due to illness or due to other obligations advise your employer with as much notice as possible.

While at work you are under an obligation to follow all lawful directions that an employer may ask you to do. This does not include anything that is illegal, degrading, humiliating, sexual, offensive, unlawful or anything that would be seen to be unreasonable for your position.   

For information or advice on any of the above please contact YWAS on 1800 232 000 or by email.