Chinese student claims he was paid $5 an hour, then harassed after speaking out about wage theft

A worker who claims he was paid little more than $5 an hour says his situation highlights the dangers for working international students.

A worker who claims he was paid little more than $5 an hour, then harassed when he spoke up, says his situation highlights the hazards faced by international students in the workplace.

Richard, 21, who did not want to use his surname, said he worked nearly 150 hours at a mobile kiosk, in a northern suburbs shopping centre, in March and April.

He claimed he was paid only $760 for the work, equating to $5.14 per hour.

Richard said attempts to claim the remainder of his pay had been met with harassment and intimidation.

Police were alerted after his former boss attended the workplace of his girlfriend last Wednesday, May 12.

SA Police confirmed they were called to the business, but said no criminal offences were disclosed and they had no further involvement in the matter.

Richard’s former boss denies any attempt to intimidate, and says Richard agreed to an unpaid apprenticeship.

Richard said he and his employer agreed on a salary of $20 an hour at the time he started and he was paid on three separate occasions.

He received no pay slips or superannuation payments.

The Chinese student, who is in his fourth year of study at UniSA, has now lodged a claim with the Fair Work Ombudsman for more than $2000 in missing wages.

Richard said his situation highlighted the difficulties faced by international students, who were limited by their visa conditions.

The owner said he agreed to pay Richard an allowance for expenses such as food and petrol, and the amount exchanged was $1560 for about 100 hours of learning.

He confirmed the pair agreed on $20 an hour, but said the wage would only be paid once he learned the job.

The man said his apprentice had not mastered the skills required by the time his employment ended, and sometimes took long breaks or worked shorter days.

He admitted he attended the workplace of Richard’s girlfriend, but denied that he intimidated the woman or refused to leave.