In the expose on Today Tonight into child labour abuses within the Melbourne Scientology Org, a mention was made of both the Workplace Ombudsman, and the Employment Department, of the Victorian Government.
Both of these Government agencies have been contacted, regarding the above story. The ball has already begun rolling on this.
However, before I did this interview, I had personally contacted the Workplace Ombudsman, with a detailed letter of my experience as a staff member of the Church of Scientology here in Melbourne. I included a copy of the contract. This is available on the internet, I don't have a link handy, perhaps someone could help out here.
I heard back from the Workplace Ombudsman within a few days. They forwarded the contract onto their lawyers. I have been contacted since with more questions. I have forwarded copies of my tax group certificates, and examples of pay slips (I kept all of them - hey I'm a Virgo).
There were people on this board who encouraged this action by posting details. DavidM, and asagai were both instrumental in putting relevant data onto this message board that I could use to act with.
I looked into the matter, and based on my understanding of the legal definition of the terms 'employee' and 'volunteer', I decided to act.
Meaning of volunteer
There is no legal definition of ‘volunteer’ for tax purposes.
Meaning of employee
Generally, an individual is considered to be an employee if they:
■ are paid for time worked
THE ORG COULD ARGUE THAT SUCH PAY WAS A STIPEND, AND THAT IT WAS PRODUCT BASED RATHER THAN TIME BASED (OOPS, THAT DOESN'T MEAN WAGES, THAT MEANS A SALARY)
■ receive paid leave (for example, sick, annual or recreation,or long service leave)
WHEN DID THAT EVER HAPPEN?
■ are not responsible for providing the materials or equipment required to do their job
APART FROM OFFICIAL PAPERS (ROUTING FORMS, LETTER HEAD) MOST PEOPLE HAD TO SUPPLY THEIR OWN PENS AND NOT PAPER. MANY STAFF AT THE TIME ALSO USED THEIR PERSONAL TYPEWRITERS.
■ must perform the duties of their position
AND OF EVERY OTHER POSITION ON THE ORG BOARD, THEN MORE
■ agree to provide their personal services
I NEVER GOT $100 A NIGHT FOR PERSONAL SERVICES!!!
■ work hours set by an agreement or award
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY HOURS PER WEEK IS NOT PERMITTED BUT IT STILL HAPPENED
■ are recognised as part and parcel of the payer’s business, and
YES, PEOPLE HAD "TAX" PAID OUT OF THE PAY
■ do not take commercial risks and cannot make a profit or loss from the work performed.
YES THEY DID. THEY WERE RISKING THEIR PERSONAL FINANCES TO STAY IN THIS INSANE CULT.
And per the definition of employee, I felt that Scientology staff members qualify as such. Therefore I have informed the department, and this is in action, right now.
I will let you know how this develops.