Assessment item - Report on the 7 Eleven case

Task -

In 2014, the Fair Work Ombudsman launched an inquiry into the employment practices of 7 Eleven organisation in Australia, with specific reference to its compliance with industrial relations laws relating to pay and conditions.

Central to the inquiry were allegations of illegal conduct relating to the treatment of visa holders employed by franchisees. Information about the report and the background to the inquiry can be found at this link: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media-releases/2016-media-releases/april-2016/20160409-7-eleven-presser

Following the release of the report, there has been public debate surrounding the employment of visa holders in Australia, notably student visa holders and s457 visa holders (skilled workers).

Your task in this assessment is to address the following questions.

1. Provide a summary of the 7 Eleven inquiry. Why was it done and what were the major findings?

2. Critically analyse any gaps in the Australian ER system that this inquiry raises in regard to the role of the state and the role of unions. (You will need to do some background reading on these two aspects in order to provide an evidence-based argument.)

3. Discuss the implications of the inquiry for the regulation of ER in Australia - not just 7 Eleven. (You will need to blend professional, newspaper and academic sources.)

Given the recency of this inquiry, there is quite a lot of material available.

Rationale -

Successful completion of this assessment task will help you to demonstrate achievement of the following learning outcomes in HRM523.

• apply specialised knowledge to solve complex problems relating to the Australian industrial relations system
• synthesise and apply theoretical frameworks and scholarly research to critically analyse issues relating to the practice of industrial relations in Australia
• employ academic writing and information literacy skills.