Virgin Workers $4000pa Worse Off

Date: 26 July 2002

Australian Services Union Secretary Michael Want says that it would appear clerical and administrative workers at Virgin Mobile's Contact Centre are being ripped off by up to $4,000 per year.

According to the ASU, with the information made available, workers at Virgin Mobile have been severely disadvantaged by signing an Australian Workplace Agreement in some cases under duress.

"The employees with the support of the union are demanding that the Employee Advocate rescind the AWAs on the basis that the Virgin Mobile AWA did not meet the 'no net detriment' provision of the Workplace Relations Act," said Michael Want.

Mr Want condemned the Employment Advocate for approving this AWA. "The body that the Federal Government set up to protect workers has allowed an agreement to go through that robs workers of up to $4,000 per year and totally contradicts John Howard's promise that no worker would be worse off under his legislation."

"This proves that Mr Howard's commitment is a joke and that without collective protection workers are being ripped off right across Australia."

"Virgin Mobile urges customers to 'Stop Bill Rage'. Workers at Virgin Mobile are calling on management to 'Stop the Wage Rage'."

The ASU has commenced a campaign to ensure workers in contact centres are paid no less than the provisions of the Award. "This situation proves that Mr Abbott's advocate is a toothless tiger who is incapable of protecting workers wages and conditions. The ASU is calling on Tony Abbott to intervene and ensure the Virgin Mobile workers are not paid less than the Award."

Mr Want questioned how many thousands of workers are being ripped off and do not even know about it. "The Federal Government has made it harder and harder for unions to represent workers, however we see now how important it is for working Australians to have access to their unions and the collective bargaining process."

For more information please contact ASU Branch Secretary Michael Want on (02) 9265 8211 or 0409 128 164.

For further information

Contact:	Michael Want
Union:	Australian Services Union NSW Clerical & Administrative Branch
Phone:	(02) 9265 8211
Fax:	(02) 9261 2265
Email:	office@asuclerical-nsw.asn.au
WWW:	http://asuclerical-nsw.asn.au/

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