A global conference, attended by governments, employees and workers from 193 countries, took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina from 14-16 November 2017 to address a global commitment to eradicate child labour. Global estimates from the UN show that 152 million children are victims of child labour, with 5.7 million of these in forced or slave labour. The conference focused on child labour from different perspectives, from how to ensure healthy working conditions to developing policies easy to implement the world over. AUSTRALIA IS PART OF THE STORY Australia’s history of child labour started with convict labour in 1788, where children were sent to work in the colonies. A series of laws known as the “Factory Acts” in the UK were pivotal in reforming child labour in Australia and other parts of the world. They gradually raised the minimum working age and improved conditions for children and other vulnerable groups. INTERNATIONAL NEWS STAMPINGOUTCHILDLABOUR THE CURRENT SITUATION In Victoria, the current position (apart from some limited exceptions for family businesses, entertainment and unique occupations such as paper delivery riders) is that a worker must be 15 before they can be employed without a permit. Junior rates of pay and apprenticeship wages apply as an incentive for businesses to hire young people without experience. These rates generally apply on a scale until the worker reaches the age of 21. The SDA, in co-operation with the ACTU and other unions, has campaigned vigorously to continually improve these rates so that when a worker is 18, they receive a full adult rate of pay. This is the age they legally become an adult and are eligible to vote in elections. We hope that the global conference results in the implementation of solutions for the ongoing scourge of the exploitation of children worldwide.  Source: http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/ newsroom/news/WCMS_588681/lang--en/index.htm THE SHOP ASSISTANT SUMMER 2017 27 One of the most famous victims of child labour in the western world was author Charles Dickens. In 1824, his father was thrown into debtors prison by his creditors, a very common scenario for the working class of this age. Young Charles, then aged only 12, was forced to work in a blacking warehouse, 10 hours a day until the debt was repayed and his father could be released from prison. These experiences during his formative years went on to inspire his literary work. DID YOU KNOW... FIND OUT MORE... For more information on this important issue, go to ilo.org and search ‘child labour’’. All SDA members should be aware that managers and insurance companies have no right to attend your medical appointments, even if it is for a work-related injury. This is supported by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Medical appointments are private. Tell any manager or insurance company representative that they are not entitled to attend. Contact the SDA if you need any help. Managers – keep out of medical appointments!