A Private Members Bill has been introduced in the House of
Representatives entitled the Fair Work Amendment (Recovery of
Unpaid Amounts for Franchisee Employees) Bill 2015.
The aim of the Bill is to ensure employees are paid correctly, whether
or not they are Australian citizens. It will require more oversight by
franchisers over the franchisee companies within their chains, to ensure legal
minimum wages are paid to employees and the terms and conditions of employment
meet the National Employment Standards (NES).
The Bill also promotes fairer contracts between franchisers and
its franchisees. The harsh terms of some franchisee contracts, which
leave little profit for franchisees, have been reported as a major reason for
franchisees attempt to cut costs by reducing wages rates.
The Bill has been read for the second time.
