Gen United

Resources for your work-life

Welcome to Gen United! We’re a passionate group of young activists using online platforms to drive positive social change. 

Our Purpose

We’re on a mission to empower our generation with the tools and info to promote progressive transformation – from the workplace to the streets.

We want to educate each other about workplace issues, our rights, how to take action, and how to avoid being ripped off, misled, or taken advantage of by your employer.

We’re proudly 100% backed by the United Workers Union, Australia’s most progressive Trade Union representing workers in hospitality, care and many other industries.

Workplace Resources ✏️

Your one-stop-shop to check if you are getting paid correctly, find out your rights at work, and access a super easy guide to identifying wage theft and how to get your unpaid wages back.

Wage Theft Guide 💸

Underpayment, wage theft, stolen wages – whatever you want to call it – is more common in Australia than you’d like to think.

Check it out
Contracts ✍️

So you’ve just been offered a job. Fantastic news! Let’s look at your employment contract.

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Know Your Wages 💰

Finding out the correct wage you should be paid based on your industry, level or age can be confusing. We’re here to help.

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Know Your Rights ✊

Everyone working in Australia has a set of basic workplace rights, If you’re not getting these basic entitlements, your employer is breaking the law.

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Payslips 🧾

Whether its your first job or you’re a seasoned young worker; understanding your payslips is super important.

Check it out

Total Shi*ft Show 🎙️

A Podcast by Gen United

Episode One

Surviving Wage Theft: Stories from the Trenches | Total Sh*ft Show Episode #1 

In this Total Sh*ft Show epsiode join Cydnie and Zarah as they uncover jaw-dropping tales of wage theft in the workplace. Hear real stories of young workers battling unfair pay, dodgy bosses, and cash-in-hand schemes. Discover the shocking realities of underpayment and exploitation, and learn how to protect yourself with Gen United’s essential Wage Theft Guide.  

Got a workplace horror story? Share it anonymously for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode! 

Key Topics + Chapter Markers: 

Introduction and Podcast Overview [0:00] 

  • Cydnie and Zarah kick off the episode, introducing the theme of wage theft and setting the stage for the stories ahead. 


Story #1: Strong Long Black’s Wage Theft Experience [0:26] 

  • Strong Long Black shares their experience of not receiving their new wage or superannuation after turning 18, dealing with a dismissive employer, and eventually reclaiming $850 in back pay. 


Detailed Breakdown of Wage Theft Issues [1:20] 

  • Cydnie and Zarah discuss the specifics of Strong Long Black’s case, including the implications of wage discrepancies and the legalities around superannuation. 


Story #2: Katie’s Challenges in Hospitality [4:31] 

  • Katie’s story highlights the challenges of working in a small cafe, including being paid in cash without proper breaks, not receiving Sunday or public holiday rates, and dealing with an exploitative boss. 


Impact of Wage Theft on Young Workers [9:01] 

  • The hosts delve into the broader impact of wage theft on young workers, especially in hospitality and retail sectors, discussing systematic issues and exploitation. 


Call to Action and Closing Remarks [9:55] 

  • Cydnie and Zarah encourage listeners to check out Gen United’s free workplace resources, share their own stories, and stay connected for future episodes. 


Links from this Episode: 


Got Questions or Comments? 

Episode Two

Unfiltered: Real Stories of Workplace Injustice | Total Sh*ft Show Episode #2 

This week, Cydnie and Zarah uncover jaw-dropping workplace tales that hit close to home. From managing amidst bullying and trauma to the struggles of a Christmas casual facing unfair treatment, these stories expose the harsh realities many of us can relate to. Listen now and join the conversation.  

Got a workplace horror story? Share it anonymously for a chance to be featured in an upcoming episode! 

Key Topics + Chapter Markers: 

  • [0:00] Introduction and Podcast Overview 
  • [00:29] Story #1: Imogen’s Struggle with Workplace Violence 
  • Imogen recounts her experience as a store manager facing staff alienation, bullying, and a dangerous incident involving a thief, revealing the toxic environment perpetuated by her employer. 
  • [06:46] Story #2: Bee’s Battle as a Casual Worker  
  • Bee shares her challenges working as a Christmas casual, facing unfair treatment and retaliation after a scheduling mistake, highlighting the vulnerability of casual workers in demanding retail environments. 
  • [09:05] Addressing Retaliation and Unfair Treatment 
  • Cydnie and Zarah discuss the power dynamics and legal rights of casual workers, advocating for fair treatment and better protections in the workplace. 
  • [10:56] Call to Action and Closing Remarks   
  • The hosts encourage listeners to know their rights, seek support if facing workplace challenges, and stay informed about workplace entitlements and resources. 


Links from this Episode: 


Got Questions or Comments? 

Episode Three

When Loyalty Backfires: Wage Theft and Surveillance Hell | Total Sh*ft Show Episode #3 

Welcome back to Total Sh*ft Show! Join hosts Cydnie and Zarah as they dive into jaw-dropping workplace confessions. This episode uncovers a devastating health crisis at a fashion brand, a nightmare with wage theft at an Italian restaurant, unpaid trial shifts at a Brisbane Cafe, and an anonymous tale of micromanagement through remote surveillance at a bar. Delve deep into the systemic issues of workplace mistreatment and learn how to fight back 

Got a workplace horror story? Share it anonymously for a chance to be featured! Subscribe now and join the conversation every second Friday! 

Key Topics + Chapter Markers: 

  • [00:00] Introduction and Podcast Overview 
    • Zarah and Cydnie introduce the Total Sh*ft Show and outline the workplace confessions discussed in this episode, highlighting the issues faced by young workers. 
  • [00:31] Story #1: A Devastating Health Crisis at a Well-Known Fashion Brand 
    • Alex shares their story of working for a popular fashion brand and facing a devastating health crisis that led to being forced to quit and reapply due to the company’s unfair policies during a critical time. 
  • [03:12] Story #2: Wage Theft at an Italian Restaurant 
    • Layla recounts her experience of working at an Italian restaurant at age 14, facing wage theft, verbal abuse, and being paid $9 an hour with no penalty rates. Despite asking for a pay rise, she was met with hostility and eventually left the job. 
  • [06:20] Story #3: Unpaid Trial Shifts in Brisbane CBD 
    • Freya discusses her time working in a Brisbane CBD cafe, where she was subjected to a one-week unpaid trial and faced issues with not receiving pay slips, leading to a lack of transparency and proper payment for her work. 
  • [09:24] Discussion of the First 3 Stories and Common Issues Young Workers Face 
    • Zarah and Cydnie delve into the common themes of exploitation, lack of workplace protections, and the importance of union representation highlighted by the stories of Alex, Layla, and Freya. They emphasize the need for young workers to be aware of their rights and to seek support when faced with unfair treatment. 
  • [10:33] Story #4: Remote Surveillance and Micromanagement 
    • An anonymous account details the intrusive micromanagement practices through remote surveillance in a bar, raising serious privacy concerns and highlighting the impact on employees’ mental health and work-life balance. 
  • [12:36] Tips on Fighting Wage Theft and Protecting Yourself in the Workplace 
    • Zarah and Cydnie provide practical advice on how to fight wage theft and protect oneself in the workplace, including the importance of documenting hours worked, understanding employment rights, and seeking union support for backup. 
  • [14:36] Episode Close and Call to Action 
    • Zarah and Cydnie wrap up the episode, encouraging listeners to share their own workplace stories, stay informed about their rights, and take action to protect themselves and their colleagues from unfair treatment. 

 

Links from this Episode: 

 

Got Questions or Comments? 

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From the blog 🔗

Keeping you informed and up to date

My job was so crap I had to leave…

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Worst Workplace Confessions 💬

Real Tales Of Bad Bosses, Dodgy Workplaces and Trash Pay

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Can You Spend Like A Billionaire?!💰

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gen united acknowledges that we meet and work on the unceded lands of First Nations peoples. We wish to pay respect to their Elders — past and present — and acknowledge the important role all First Nations peoples continue to play within Australia.

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Authorised by Karma Lord, United Workers Union, Docklands