One of the hallmarks of the current employment market is unpaid work.
Some people argue that unpaid work is simply a great way for young workers to get experience, and to get their foot in the door.
Others think differently.
A few weeks ago, café chain Muffin Break was bombarded with complaints after its general manager, Natalie Brennan, complained that fewer and fewer millennials were requesting unpaid work. This decline, in Ms Brennan’s view, is due to the impact of social media.
Ms Brennan stated:
There’s definitely that inflated view of their self-importance because they have X amount of Instagram followers or this many [Facebook] likes.
I’m generalising, but it definitely feels like this generation of 20-somethings has to be rewarded even if it’s the most mundane, boring thing, they want to be rewarded for doing their job constantly.
For more information about the Muffin Break backlash, see this article in The Guardian Australia.
We at Martin Bullock Lawyers take a different view. As the nature of work changes, technology and AI are taking over more and more jobs.
Many large companies are exploiting young workers, either for internships or work experience, but without ever offering full-time employment. Often these arrangements simply amount to wage robbery.
Other workplace issues young workers may face include Workers Compensation, no payment of superannuation, or harassment and bullying.
If you need legal advice regarding employment, Martin Bullock Lawyers can help. Call Greg Martin or Jacqueline Wainwright on 02 9687 9322.