Australia – Grand Prix faces criticism for offering the opportunity to work for nothing

Australia’s Grand Prix has come under fire after it, along with Adecco, the world’s largest staffing firm, offered the opportunity to work for nothing, according to the Age Australia.

The offer prompted union claims that the Grand Prix, which is sponsored by the Victorian Government, is in breach of workplace laws. Event workers have also said that the Grand Prix is setting a precedent for major events to rely on free labour, which they claim could exacerbate the problem of unpaid work and internships in Australia.

Adecco, which partnered with the Grand Prix, sent text messages to casual workers on its local database offering a volunteer opportunity for this year’s race which involved pre-event training and three full days’ work in customer service, all unpaid.

Union director Adam Portelli​ stated that the text messages that were sent to the casual workers pressured them to work for nothing, and constituted as a possible breach of the amusement and events award. Portelli insisted that the Victorian Government should insist in its contracts with the Grand Prix that it pays its workers award rates.

“The Grand Prix is a jewel in Victoria’s tourism crown, attracting major corporate sponsorship and global attention, and it beggars belief that it would not employ paid customer service staff,” Portelli said.

Grand Prix chief executive Andrew Westacott commented,​ “The corporation enlisted Adecco to help recruit and it was made clear they were volunteer opportunities.”

Source: Australia – Grand Prix faces criticism for offering the opportunity to work for nothing