So, I don't know what my work rights are, but I feel like venting because I'm fuming at the moment.
On Thursday, we moved into a new office at work. We're working to a deadline for this Thursday, and I've been working my arse off and everything is on schedule that is within my control. I went to make a cup of tea with a work colleague (no calls are incoming, so that isn't a concern here).
Boss sees us doing so and asks "what are you doing?"
"Making a cup of tea."
"Have you had your lunch break?"
"Yes."
"Look, we don't have time for this. We're working to a deadline here and we can't afford to take the time to make a cup of tea. Don't let me see you doing this again."
(Bear in mind, making a cup of tea wasn't an uncommon occurrence before this point and was never a concern).
The message was then passed to the rest of the team. 30 min lunch breaks will be adhered to, not a minute more. No making tea or coffee will be allowed, with the possibility of this being relaxed once product launch has occurred.
A meeting is called for the next day (Friday just gone) at 8:50am, 10 mins before usual start time. I'm there 10 mins earlier as is my usual and no one is there to open the office until 9:10am, but it's not even the boss who called the meeting. He turns up about 11:30am without a mention of the meeting.
Meeting gets called this morning. Boss has been singing mine and my work colleagues praises since I started there. Today he says "I heard from these 2 other managers that when I'm out of the office, work productivity falls to zero, you guys are slacking off". You wanna know what happened? We talked... about work... how to improve the product, get more customers and do things better. Wow, talk about bludging!
Now, the launch party is on Thursday night. They've roped my work colleague into DJing the gig for peanuts compared to what her usual rate of pay is (I told her not to settle for less, but it seemed to be the only way out of what I'm just about to mention). Then they spring on us that we'll be actually doing work at this party, as it's not for our enjoyment. The "party" is designed for us to gain more customers by handing out leaflets and trying to sign up clients. They have no intention of paying us for our time that night.
Now as for tea breaks, I don't think they are mandatory for morning and afternoon, though they can be depending on the Award it falls under. I understand usually it's a nice gesture a workplace offers. I think since we're on the phones in front of the computer, we're at least entitled to a stretch every 2 hours for our muscles and eyes. Oh, did I mention we're on laptops? I think that's an OH&S thing since the monitors aren't at eye level and are causing me back pain. I'm sure others are more informed with workplace standards than I am.
I know I'm probably nit-picking here, but the workplace has become quite miserable. I don't want to be taken advantage of, though I know my job isn't secure as a casual. 2 other people were fired without warning (1 hour minimum allowed) due to "budget constraints". I'm not concerned if I'm let go, I may even walk out, but I would like the chance to find another job before I bail.
As for the unpaid party event, I won't be turning up to that as we're not being paid and I believe we would are fully entitled to be. If they want work done, they must pay for it. If we're able to enjoy ourselves and have fun like everyone else, they don't have to pay a cent, sadly this isn't the case.
Apologies for the poorly structured information above, I'm a bit on edge at the moment.
Ok a few things.
1. If you are employed as a casual they cannot demand this and not pay you. casuals have protections against this because you do not have usual workers rights such as sick leave and holiday pay. You are also paid a loading because you are a casual, hopefully you are being paid a loading.
2. Companies CAN request people to work overtime or at parties etc but as a casual you have every right to tell them to shove it and they cannot punish you for it (aside from of course let you go as you are a casual), but they cannot for example if they continue to employ you demote you, or reduce pay etc because you didn't toe the line.
3. As for breaks, this is against the law. They are not allowed to stipulate things like that. What's next, no toilet breaks? They try that, THAT is majorly against IR laws.
This company clearly does not get that employee morale = good work.
4. Danoss what is your job because it is entirely possible you do not have an award. IT jobs do not have awards nor do they have unions. Only 'traditional' work that has been around decades has awards. Hospitality for example. HOWEVER there is the minimum wage.
As for the unpaid party event, I won't be turning up to that as we're not being paid and I believe we would are fully entitled to be. If they want work done, they must pay for it.
Not the worst attitude in the world to have towards this. A few questions come to mind
1. Are they paying your expenses to and from the venue?
Because if not, they got nada on you. Forget it and move on its not worth it.
Now with that said i have many many times worked on weekends, late at night etc but i am under a salary. Under a salary there is expectations that you can work certain levels of OT but also that if you are in particular jobs you need to go there.
Many times i have been away over the weekend. I did not get paid for that time over the weekend however i don't mind because i get time in lieu. Now i don't get double time etc for Sundays but at least i get the same amount of time off later down the line.
On a salary you have rights and with those rights comes expectations. It's acceptable to be asked to work some OT.
Without rights (casuals) you have zero expectations.
Danoss, I would be calling Fairwork Australia for advice on this whole thing, especially the coffee break. And if they sack you based on calling FairWork, they would be at FairWork Australia faster then they can say 'oh fuck' and having a nice fine handed out to them.
Casuals don't have as many rights as PT and FT, but they do have some. and right now they are being trampled all over.