The Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) have reiterated that every single one of the 460,000 Australians who derive their livelihood from franchising should receive their full, legal entitlements. The FCA’s comments came ahead of the release of the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Report into 7-Eleven’s operations.
“The FCA and our members have a long and proud history of working closely with the Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work Australia to ensure Australia’s $144 billion franchise sector is vibrant, and compliant,” FCA Chairman Bruce Billson said.
“All business owners have responsibilities and obligations and the FCA will continue to work closely with the relevant Government agencies to make sure all franchise owners are aware of these requirements and fulfil them in an accurate and timely way.”
“Let’s be clear. Public reporting of the work of the FWO makes it clear that pay and workplace entitlement irregularities have been found right across the economy. All business owners, not just franchisees, have responsibilities and obligations and the Fair Work Ombudsman has the powers and tools to make sure all business owners comply with these requirements.
“There are almost 80,000 franchised workplaces in Australia and the FCA is proud of the dynamic state of the sector. At the same time, the FCA actively encourages all members to re-examine the resources, support systems and communication between franchisors and franchisees to ensure full workplace compliance.”
Mr Billson said the FCA carefully examine the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Report.
“We understand from talking to the Fair Work Ombudsman that they are supportive of the franchise sector and the FCA’s proactive approach. We look forward to reading the report and the reasoning for their recommendations.
“The FCA respects the work and enforcement role of the Fair Work Ombudsman and recognised that we can support the effectiveness of educational and awareness-raising activities in our own sector by helping to ensure that all franchise business owners takes step to ensure they are fully aware of their current obligations as employers.
“More recently, we have supported the development of a draft Workplace Standard outlining the expected roles of franchisors and franchisees in the context of workplace compliance. We also support the extension of the personal liability of directors of businesses that don’t meet their workplace payment obligations.”