7-Eleven implementing biometrics, CCTV to prevent wages fraud by Australian franchisees

Australia`s Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has signed a agreement with convenience store chain 7-Eleven to use biometric technology and CCTV supervision to prevent worker exploitation by franchisees, according to a report by The ABC.

7-Eleven will integrate and manage biometric time and attendance systems and CCTV at all stores to allow its head office to monitor worker hours and ensure workers are paid correctly.

An FWO spokesperson said the proactive compliance deed committed the company to preventing wages fraud and underpayment of workers. “The measures in this deed are the most robust and comprehensive that any franchise brand has in place in Australia. The goal is to make sure franchisees pay workers correctly in the first place.”

7-Eleven has paid nearly $57 million in wages to workers who were underpaid by franchisees under a wage repayment program and the FWO said 7-Eleven was continuing to assess worker claims of underpayment. It is reported that approximately 1,400 workers are owed an average of nearly $40,000.

Article Topics

Australia  |  biometrics  |  cctv  |  fraud prevention  |  time and attendance