Your basic rights at work

All apprentices are entitled to a set of basic rights at work. These are not negotiable as they’re the National Employment Standards. Your Award or Agreement cannot contain clauses that compromise these rights.  

You are entitled to: 

• The minimum rate of pay. 
• Leave entitlements (sick pay, annual leave, parental, domestic violence leave) 
• Safe working conditions. 
• It is your employer’s responsibility to provide a safe workplace. 
• If you don’t feel safe at work or doing something at work, you have the right to speak up and request alternative duties. 
• Your employer cannot send you home or treat you adversely for speaking up about feeling unsafe. 
• Part of having a safe workplace is feeling comfortable with speaking up when you do feel unsafe. 
• Protection from bullying, discrimination and harassment. 

If you are unsure of any of the above, contact The Young Workers Centre or find support here.