Latest news with #TomScott
Sky News AU
5 days ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
Play School worker sues ABC via MEAA for allegedly forcing workers onto multiple fixed-term contracts
A producer on the ABC's children's program Play School is suing the public broadcaster for allegedly forcing the worker into multiple short fixed-term contracts in a move that offers little long-term job security. The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance is pursuing the case on behalf of Tom Scott, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, with the public broadcaster accused of overusing the fixed-term contracts. The union argues the broadcaster's decision to put Mr Scott on a third contract violated the Fair Work Act and sought to remove the termination date from his contract. 'The unfair use of short-term contracts has been growing at the ABC, seemingly as a means for management to push the budgetary risk of funding cuts onto the staff,' a statement from a spokesperson at the ABC MEAA House Committee read. 'ABC staff employed under insecure arrangements cannot be expected to perform their roles without fear or favour, build sustainable careers, or stand up for their rights in the workplace without concerns over potential reprisal. 'Women and staff from diverse backgrounds are particularly impacted by the risks of insecure jobs, which we fear worsens issues like pay gaps, and bullying issues in our workplace. 'Staff who have worked hard for the ABC over multiple years or projects have a right to secure ongoing employment that affords them the security to do their jobs well for the public they serve.' The case follows an overhaul of the Fair Work Act in 2023 which banned more than two successive fixed-term contracts or a single fixed-term contract that lasts longer than two years. MEAA Chief Executive Erin Madeley said the lack of job security in the media and creative industries showed senior staffers were shifting risk onto workers. 'MEAA members are pushing back and using laws passed by the Labor Government to fix this,' Ms Madeley said. 'Of all employers, the ABC as the nation's publicly funded broadcaster should recognise the need to respect workers and model appropriate employment standards. 'Unfortunately, the abuse of fixed-term contracting is an issue across creative industries and the economy more broadly. 'Australia needs a thriving cultural sector in which workers can have sustainable jobs. 'We are drawing a line and standing up for secure jobs across our industries.' The ABC refused to provide comment on the case.
The Age
5 days ago
- The Age
Play School staffer sues the ABC over fixed-term contracts
A producer on Play School, one of the ABC's longest running programs, has sued the public broadcaster in the Federal Court, alleging it breached the Fair Work Act through multiple fixed-term contracts. The case, brought by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), was filed in the Federal Court on behalf of Tom Scott on Tuesday. Scott is a digital producer on the children's show, which has broadcast on ABC TV since 1966. The case centres on the ABC's use of fixed-term contracts, which both the union and other staff at the broadcaster allege are overused and abused, leading to widespread job insecurity. In a statement, the union said the national broadcaster had systematically forced employees into a series of fixed-term contracts, thereby breaching the Fair Work Act. The case precedes upcoming bargaining negotiations between the ABC and union members on staff this year, with the use of fixed-term contracts said to be high on the agenda. Scott has been employed by the ABC on three successive fixed term 'Run of Show' contracts to work as a digital producer on Play School, with each substantially consistent with the other contracts, according to documents filed with the Federal Court. The Fair Work Act was overhauled at the end of 2023, banning more than two successive fixed-term contracts for similar positions, or a single fixed-term contract of more than two years. When overhauling employment laws, the government sought to bring an end to fixed-term contracts being used over and over again, which it said leads to job insecurity with employees effectively stuck on probation. The MEAA said the court action followed failed attempts to resolve the issue between the union and ABC management. The union is seeking financial penalties, and a removal of the fixed term aspect of Scott's contract. Several other ABC staffers have described the use of fixed-term contracts as a widespread issue within the ABC, leading to job insecurity and an unwillingness to speak up about internal issues like racism and bullying.
Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Play School staffer sues the ABC over fixed-term contracts
A producer on Play School, one of the ABC's longest running programs, has sued the public broadcaster in the Federal Court, alleging it breached the Fair Work Act through multiple fixed-term contracts. The case, brought by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), was filed in the Federal Court on behalf of Tom Scott on Tuesday. Scott is a digital producer on the children's show, which has broadcast on ABC TV since 1966. The case centres on the ABC's use of fixed-term contracts, which both the union and other staff at the broadcaster allege are overused and abused, leading to widespread job insecurity. In a statement, the union said the national broadcaster had systematically forced employees into a series of fixed-term contracts, thereby breaching the Fair Work Act. The case precedes upcoming bargaining negotiations between the ABC and union members on staff this year, with the use of fixed-term contracts said to be high on the agenda. Scott has been employed by the ABC on three successive fixed term 'Run of Show' contracts to work as a digital producer on Play School, with each substantially consistent with the other contracts, according to documents filed with the Federal Court. The Fair Work Act was overhauled at the end of 2023, banning more than two successive fixed-term contracts for similar positions, or a single fixed-term contract of more than two years. When overhauling employment laws, the government sought to bring an end to fixed-term contracts being used over and over again, which it said leads to job insecurity with employees effectively stuck on probation. The MEAA said the court action followed failed attempts to resolve the issue between the union and ABC management. The union is seeking financial penalties, and a removal of the fixed term aspect of Scott's contract. Several other ABC staffers have described the use of fixed-term contracts as a widespread issue within the ABC, leading to job insecurity and an unwillingness to speak up about internal issues like racism and bullying.
Los Angeles Times
06-03-2025
- Los Angeles Times
La Palma City Council denies sketchy spa a permit for massages after inspection
An application for a massage permit by a local spa rubbed the La Palma City Council the wrong way. After a code enforcement inspection sent Starlight Day Spa employees and customers exiting out the back door 'with haste' last year, city officials sent the owner an Aug. 19 cease-and-desist letter alleging that he illegally operated a massage business. On Tuesday, City Council members pressed Tom Scott, Starlight Day Spa's owner, during a public hearing with evidence in hand that the spa ran suggestive massage ads on websites like Craigslist and RubMaps, whose tagline is 'where fantasy meets reality,' in violation of the Massage Therapy Act. Councilman Nitesh Patel asked Scott point-blank if he knew what RubMaps was. 'I believe that is website for massage parlors,' Scott said. 'What kind of massage parlors?' Vivek pressed the spa owner. 'I assume ones that are not focused on beauty and wellness,' Scott said. Both websites have been linked to sex work and trafficking. The location has caused La Palma trouble before. In 2018, city staff inspected a number of massage parlors and closed four of them down, including Diamond Spa, where Starlight Day Spa currently resides. In May, Starlight Day Spa received a business license to run a beauty salon at the location, but it wasn't allowed to offer massage services. On Aug. 15, Scott sought a conditional use permit and submitted a floor plan for a suite that included five massage rooms. After receiving the application, code enforcement visited the business. The inspection found lighted signage already advertising massage services at the front of the spa. Photographs taken inside showed a list of massages — from Swedish to deep tissue — offered at different time intervals and rates. City officials also documented a code violation when they discovered concealed cameras in the faux flower decorations at the reception desk, which massage parlors are otherwise prohibited from installing to alert the entrance of law enforcement. With the property emptied out due to employees and customers fleeing, La Palma police arrived on-site as back up until a manager showed up. Scott referred to the inspection as the 'incident' during the hearing and denied anything sexual in nature happened at the spa when Councilwoman Janet Keo Conklin bluntly asked if it did. 'We were conducting beauty services,' he said. 'The aesthetician that was there had just completed a waxing on a customer and the customer was leaving.' Scott claimed the spa worker knew little English and fled in fear. Still seeking permit approval, he apologized to the city and stated that all massage advertising had been pulled in accordance with the cease-and-desist letter. 'We want to move forward,' Scott added. 'We want to be successful, and we want to bring rejuvenation to the business and to the community we're doing our business in. We're operating in full compliance with all city regulations while continuing to provide quality wellness and beauty treatments.' He even offered to work closely with city officials while operating under a probationary period. But Patel admonished him for the massage ads that ran before the city granted a permit for such services. Scott, who owns wax spas in Anaheim and Santa Ana, claimed he had never applied for a conditional use permit before and jumped the gun in expecting a quick turnaround on the process. The argument did little to sway council members who denied Starlight Day Spa a happy ending and voted its permit request down.
