Employer now facing investigation and possible $29,000 fine
For some young people, working in a video store is the ultimate job, but that doesn't mean they should do it for free.
One video store owner in Australia was inundated with requests for jobs from young people and decided to give them work experience in exchange for free DVD rentals.
A sign in the window of Video Dogs in Melbourne that read "DVDs for free? Well almost…" alerted union officials to the situation, who then spoke with store employees who confirmed the DVDs-for-work arrangement. The officials then alerted the media.
The media attention has sparked an investigation by the Workplace Ombudsman, which could lead to a $29,000 Cdn fine for shop owner John Mallalieu if he's found to be in breach of the law.
Mallalieu, who said no one had been hired under the arrangement, has seen the error of his ways and has reneged the offer. He is taking steps to set up a legal work-experience program.
One video store owner in Australia was inundated with requests for jobs from young people and decided to give them work experience in exchange for free DVD rentals.
A sign in the window of Video Dogs in Melbourne that read "DVDs for free? Well almost…" alerted union officials to the situation, who then spoke with store employees who confirmed the DVDs-for-work arrangement. The officials then alerted the media.
The media attention has sparked an investigation by the Workplace Ombudsman, which could lead to a $29,000 Cdn fine for shop owner John Mallalieu if he's found to be in breach of the law.
Mallalieu, who said no one had been hired under the arrangement, has seen the error of his ways and has reneged the offer. He is taking steps to set up a legal work-experience program.
