Apprentice stands up for rights

A Perth teenager has beaten a Howard Government move to 
prevent her seeking justice from a "deplorable" employer. 
Apprentice painter, Karen Cowley, 18, was awarded nine weeks pay 
after the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission 
found contractor, Joe Milici, had abused his position by sacking 
her after she insisted on being paid correctly.

The Commission described Milici's behaviour as "deplorable".

Under planned Howard Government legislation, Ms Cowley would have 
been unable to seek redress because Milici's company, JJ Painting 
Contractors, employs less than 20 people.

She began on leaving school but was only months into the job when 
warning signs starting flashing. She expressed concern about 
"low" earnings but Milici insisted her rates were correct until 
her mother intervened. Then it was discovered she hadn't been 
registered as an apprentice.

That was rectified last October, but Ms Crowley was out of a job 
within the month after a showdown over weekend rates.

She told the Commission Milici offered her $50 tax-free for 
working weekends but she had insisted on the proper rate for the 
job. After a meeting at which Milici told her she wasn't worth 
it, and that he intended to extend her apprenticeship by another 
three months, she admitted breaking down.

She told the Commission she stuck a finger in the air, swore and 
turned away because she was about to cry. Milici sacked her.

The Commission found the "single incident" did not outweigh her 
good work record, or the fact that Milici wanted her to work for 
less than she was entitled to.

It had heard that, prior to the dismissal, Milici had talked 
about nominating her for apprentice of the year.

Ms Cowley was represented in the case by the CFMEU.