My father worked in a joinery in Brisbane after his war service, where the owner worked with, respected and cared about his workers. He had them build him a caravan, then closed the shop for a Christmas break for all. Unfortunately a car accident damaged his new van and his holiday was over - except that his loyal workers gave up their own Christmas break to fix the van and get their beloved boss on his way once again. There might still be stories like that to be told, but there are others less happy.
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Having recently remarried to a middle-aged Asian woman, I am learning at first hand what wages theft is – right here in beautiful Port Macquarie. Those of us who have time and money to indulge in the luxury of eating out, have no intention of stealing the very wages from the talented and friendly young baristas and waiters who work at all hours to serve us, but that is apparently common.
Recent research conducted by two Sydney universities documents widespread gross underpayment of wages throughout Australia. Migrants and young backpacking holiday-makers are prime targets, but they suggest that underpayment by as much as 50% is now well established as a norm in farm work and hospitality.
As we approach Remembrance Day, I wonder what we choose to remember. We spruik the shibboleths of the ultimate sacrifice to our young people and migrants; we bow our heads and, hand on heart, proclaim our gratitude for those who sacrificed their only shot at life to protect it for us. And then we go out and eat at the expense of some struggling younger person, employed as a casual and trying to establish her life honestly in this great country.
If we want honesty and a fair go to continue, we all have to make the sacrifice. Next time you buy a cup of coffee, why not ask the waitress how much she is paid before you decide to order?
Graeme Kennedy
Port Macquarie