RLC’s casework experience also demonstrates that international students are particularly vulnerable to the exploitation of their workplace rights.
Most student visas allow you to work for up to 40 hours in a fortnight while your course is in session and unrestricted hours during any scheduled course break.
As the Christmas break approaches, we’ve written 6 essential points international students need to know while working during the Christmas break.
- All employers must pay at least the minimum hourly wage of $17.29. Failure to pay the correct hourly wage is against the law. To find out your correct rate of pay go to: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/awards-and-agreements/awards/list-of-awards.
- When you get a job offer it is a good idea to get it in writing. During your employment you should receive a regular wage slip, which will have your name and Tax File Number on it and will give details of the hours you have worked and your hourly rate of pay.
- Employed status: Full-time employment is usually 38 hours/week; Part-time employment is guaranteed regular work that is under 38 hours/week; and Casual employment has no guaranteed hours of work, and no expectation of ongoing employment.
- The differences between these types of employment relate to the amount of hours worked and entitlements to sick leave and holiday leave. To find out your entitlement go to://www.fairwork.gov.au/employee-entitlements.
- If you are terminated the employer is required to give notice of termination unless you have engaged in behaviour such as theft, fraud or violence in the workplace, which can justify dismissal on the spot.
- If you want to resign from your employment, you may do so with notice in accordance with your contract, workplace agreement or modern award. You may also resign without notice where there are sufficient grounds, such as an employer has failed to pay wages or a worker is directed to carry out dangerous work. For more info go to: www.fairwork.gov.au/ending-employment.
The RLC International Student Service assists international students across NSW with employment problems.
If you have or know of someone who might be experiencing problems in the workplace, please refer them to our statewide service by calling 02 9698 7645.
