The future of retail workers’ rights

From stacking shelves to tapping away at the till, shops in Australia are run by workers whose future pay and conditions hang in the balance. Australia’s workplace tribunal, the Fair Work Commission, is hearing a case that could see the minimum gap between shifts cut from 12 to 10 hours. The proposal would also scrap rest breaks for higher-paid retail managers, a measure supported by some of Australia’s biggest companies – including Woolworths, Coles, Kmart, and MECCA.

It comes as more than 300 ex-Lovisa staff launch a class action against the jewellery company over allegations they were underpaid, and regularly and illegally deprived of rest breaks. TDA’s deep dive will dig into some of the big legal battles set to redefine Australia’s retail scene.

Hosts: Harry Sekulich and Emma Gillespie
Producer: Orla Maher

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