Thursday, February 23, 2012

Scientology Australia Asks For Minimum Wage Exemption For Volunteers

In Australia, the Church of Scientology has filed a petition with Fair Work Australia, the national workplace relations tribunal, seeking an exemption from the minimum wage law for church volunteers.  A report from the Daily Telegraph quotes Scientology's public affairs director who says that requiring non-profit organizations to pay minimum wage levels is a violation of human rights. The Telegraph also reports:
The Church of Scientology was investigated by the Fair Work Ombudsman last year for claims some adherents worked up to 72 hours without a break and for as little as $10 a week. However, it was deemed that some of these workers were volunteers.