Get support
We’re here to help with everything ‘work’. Whether it’s an issue with your pay, your manager treating you weirdly, or just a feeling that something isn’t right… we can support you, and advise you about your rights
Case Studies
Some examples of the way we can help
About Kasey
Kasey is 17 and works casually at a fast-food company for about 10 hours a week while completing Year 12.
Kasey’s Story
One of her supervisors, Jack, aged 36, has been making inappropriate sexual suggestions to younger staff aged 14–15, and there are rumors that he is in a relationship with one of them. Kasey and two younger staff members feel uncomfortable working during his shifts.
What can Kasey do?
Sexual harassment is unlawful in Queensland, and employers are required to have prevention plans in place.
Kasey can raise the issue directly with HR or her union.
If the matter is unresolved, she can lodge a complaint with the Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC) or the Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Regulator.
For additional support, she could contact the Young Workers Hub, which educates young workers about their rights and workplace issues.
About Zhou
Zhou is finishing her law degree and wants to work at a suburban law firm near her family to assist in caring for her unwell mother.
Zhou’s Story
She has been offered several positions as a law clerk, all requiring an unpaid four-week trial. She accepted one and has been working unpaid for two weeks.
What can Zhou do?
Extended unpaid trials beyond what is necessary to demonstrate skills are illegal. Employers must pay at least the minimum wage for all hours worked.
Zhou can report this to the Fair Work Ombudsman for investigation.
She could also consider discussing her concerns with the employer and requesting proper remuneration for her work.
For more information, Zhou can visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website. Or reach out to the Young Workers Hub for support.
About Peter
Peter is a 16-year-old high school student working part-time at a local retail store while balancing his studies.
Peter’s Story
Peter has noticed that his manager often schedules him for shifts during school hours despite his repeated requests for after-school or weekend shifts. This has started affecting his school attendance and grades. When Peter brought this up, his manager told him to “figure it out” or risk losing his job.
What can Peter do?
Under Queensland law, employers must accommodate the educational commitments of young workers under 18.
Peter should first try to resolve the issue by discussing it with his manager again or contacting HR if available.
If this does not work, Peter can seek advice from the Young Workers Hub or contact his union if he is a member.
He may also file a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman if his rights are being violated.
The Young Workers Hub offers tailored support sessions like “Safe at Work” that could help Peter understand his workplace rights better.
Support Form
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Five things to check about your job
a step-by-step guide
01. Contract
Did you get a contract when you first started at your job? Your employer doesn’t have to provide one unless you ask so make sure you do.
02. Tax and Pay Details
If your job doesn’t have the correct bank details or your Tax File Number, it’s going to be a big issue down the line. Check your payslips to find out if the details are right. Speaking of which…
03. Payslips
You should receive a payslip no more than 24 hours after you are paid. Most important thing to do is to check that the amounts on it are the same as your contract. Lots of people are underpaid through admin errors and it’s really easy to catch if you check.
04. Training
If you need to be trained to do your job, you have the right to receive training and for that time to be paid. Never do anything that is unsafe.
05. Safety and Culture
No job is worth more than your physical and mental health. If you notice something putting you at risk, ask for help.