World Day for Decent Work: The Reality versus the Vision 7th October 2016

Experience of young graduate woman In my first week I worked 53 hours. Most shifts lasted 14 hours. Shifts can end anywhere between 12:30 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. 5 nights a week.     

The employer contributed some money for taxis because buses had finished but only to a named firm, one of themost expensive. This cost me £50 a week. I know the law is to have a 20 minute break if working over 6 hours or an hour break if working over 10 but this didn’t happen. Instead, because I started at 12 noon I’d work 10 to 14 hours standing up and walking around with no food. Starting at 11:00 a.m. did mean you got something, maybe cheese on toast.

They were trying to be good by giving food but really if you work a 12+ hour shift you don’t really need your food in the first hour. Not all restaurant/bars are like this although some are. I’ve left this place now.

The B45 MCW group on Decent Work means to me ............. “A fair days wage for a fair days work and set hours of work.” “Sick pay, holiday pay, a living national wage and equal pay.” “A regular and reliable source of income for the individual that allows them to have self-respect and contribute to the wellbeing of their community and giving them the security of knowing they can feed and support themselves and their family and provide a basic education for their children.” “Security, independence, respect, citizenship, a living wage, purpose, a healthy and safe environment, where there is justice, fairness and equality”. “A fair, living wage, security of some sort, gender equality, no discrimination, safe working conditions, respect from employers and other employees.” “Enough secure hours weekly to guarantee a living wage, a safe environment with NHS contributions and pensions secure, wellbeing to    work hard but not under pressure continually.”

The MCW has made this  short Video, click on link https://vimeo.com/188829089