The AMWU is putting pressure on the Victorian Government to introduce a fairer system for apprentices who have problems with their boss.
AMWU organiser Brendan Whelan called for changes to the way the Office of Tertiary Training and Education (OTTE) deals with disputes that arise between apprentices and their employers after he tried to help an apprentice who had been sacked unfairly.
Ali Lebdeh, an apprentice with GFC was told by his employer that he was cancelling his apprenticeship due to reports from TAFE that Ali was not a good student.
When Mr Whelan went to investigate he found that the training coordinator at the TAFE had been misrepresented.
“He said that Ali was no saint, but like a lot of young people, he had his good days and bad days and he needed to apply himself more. At no time did he recommend that Ali should have his apprenticeship cancelled.”
Attempts to negotiate Ali’s job back with the employer failed and OTTE informed Mr Lebdeh that his apprenticeship was cancelled without any discussion with him about it.
When Mr Whelan went to investigate he found that the dispute procedures were heavily weighted against apprentices.
“Apprentices cannot be represented by anyone in these hearings. No union representative, not even a lawyer (if they could afford one) so it’s very hard for a young worker to go and defend themselves.
“I had to make a big song and dance about Ali’s right to advice and representation.”
Mr Whelan was alarmed to discover that most disputes are decided in the employer’s favour.
“There’s no public scrutiny into these hearings and there’s no proper dispute resolution. This has to change.”
The AMWU has been in talks with the Victorian Minister for Training, Jacinta Allen for an improved system and better access to TAFE colleges for the union so that young people can learn about their rights.
Despite the difficulties, the AMWU was successful in securing Ali Lebdeh’s job back and reinstating his apprenticeship.
“The boss now thinks Ali’s the star employee,” said Mr Whelan.