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When I was a student in Melbourne desperately strapped for cash, I sought work at a family-run fast food place. They told me that I would be on a 2-week trial, during which time I'd be paid AU$10 an hour. The legal minimum wage was AU$18. I agreed because... (1/5) https://twitter.com/rebellionista/status/1328532054783315968
When I was a student in Melbourne desperately strapped for cash, I sought work at a family-run fast food place. They told me that I would be on a 2-week trial, during which time I'd be paid AU$10 an hour. The legal minimum wage was AU$18. I agreed because... (1/5) https://twitter.com/rebellionista/status/1328532054783315968
I had no choice. I'd worked as a waiter in another job before, so I had experience in hospitality. I spent the next two weeks manning the fryer, putting chicken on a grill, setting up and cleaning tables etc. After those two weeks were up I asked the owner if I could get... (2/5)
The legal minimum wage now that my two-week trial was up. He said he'd call me later that day because he was busy grilling chicken. Later that day he called me to tell me not to come in the next day onwards.
I still don't know whether he just needed someone cheap for... (3/5)
I still don't know whether he just needed someone cheap for... (3/5)
Two weeks, or if I just made really terrible French Fries. To his credit, I got a free meal every shift and could take home the leftover grilled chicken at the end of the day, which a foodie like me greatly appreciated.
My point is just that it's a dick move to make... (4/5)
My point is just that it's a dick move to make... (4/5)
Someone work on a trial basis for anything less than the legal minimum wage. The onus should be on you as an employer to train a prospective employee appropriately. And if you aren't happy with them at the end of the trial period, be forthcoming enough to tell them why. (5/5)
Oh also, this is far from the only bad experience I had as a student trying to find work in Melbourne. Pretty much everywhere I went people tried to exploit me. That's something @cityofmelbourne desperately needs to look into.
The big exception was a restaurant called The Boulevard, which paid generously. Sadly I was on the function staff, meaning I only had work when they hosted someone's birthday, wedding etc. Working there made me realise how friendly people can be when you're pouring them wine. 
