Outworker Test Case - May 4

Date: 02 May 2000

The TCFUA on behalf of 8 outworkers will be taking clothing companies to court to claim their award entitlements which will have national significance.

These historic test cases will be the first time in Australia and perhaps the world that Outworkers will be claiming their legal award entitlements.

In Victoria with no state awards or any laws protecting outworkers it will be a significant test for the courts to see if they are willing to examine how outwork fits into the modern definition of work.

It is hoped it will put an end to the extreme lengths employers go to put in place sham arrangements that give outworkers $3.50 an hour and get away with it.

The test cases will challenge the premise that outworkers are contractors just because employers call them contractors.

The workers will be asking the court to find them employees and in the alternative arguement will be asking the court to find them independent
contractors but entitled to fair contracts and the same entitlements as other employees.

Supporters are asked to meet outside the Federal Court - Cnr Latrobe and William Sts 12.30 pm for 30 minutes.

To celebrate this historic occasion and these brave workers who are stepping where few vulnerable workers have dared to tread.

Annie Delaney
Outwork Coordinator
TCFUA.

For further information

Union:	Labor Council of NSW
WWW:	http://workers.labor.net.au/

LaborNET is proudly created, designed and programmed
by Social Change Online for the Labor Council of NSW
[Credits] [Site Matters]