The release of the 2018 Modern Retail Award has prompted a call from the National Retail Association for better education about rights and responsibilities in the modern retail environment.
NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said a number of recent cases had highlighted the complex nature of the Retail Modern Award, and the wide variety of factors that could impact pay and entitlements for both businesses and workers.
“We are aware that many schools provide a basic education with respect to the necessity of having a tax file number, and some schools go so far as provide some education in workplace skills. However, we know of no formalised attempt to educate young people about their rights under the Fair Work system.
“The NRA believes we could significantly reduce both accidental underpayments and deliberate wage theft if our young people have a stronger understanding of their workplace rights, and the confidence to enforce them.”
The award, updated yearly, dictates the entitlements of retail workers with regards to pay and working conditions.