Labour Rights Awareness

At UWA India, we want students to have safe, positive and rewarding work experiences. Whether you're undertaking an internship, participating in a work-integrated learning opportunity, or working part-time while studying, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities in the workplace.

This page provides information about labour rights, common warning signs of unfair employment practices, and where to seek support if you have concerns about your workplace experience.

Understanding Labour Rights

Students may engage in a range of work opportunities during their studies, including internships, placements, apprenticeships and part-time employment. While these experiences can help you build valuable skills and industry connections, employers should provide a safe, respectful and lawful working environment.

As a student worker or intern, you should:

Be treated fairly and respectfully
Receive any agreed wages, salary or stipend payments on time
Work in a safe environment
Be free from discrimination, harassment and bullying
Have access to information about your role, responsibilities and working arrangements
Be able to raise concerns without fear of unfair treatment

What Does Workplace Exploitation Look Like?

Workplace exploitation can occur when an employer takes unfair advantage of workers or fails to meet legal or ethical employment standards.

Examples may include:

Unpaid or underpaid work that does not align with agreed arrangements
Delayed or withheld wages or stipends
Excessive working hours that interfere with your studies
Requests to hand over original identity documents, certificates or passports
Demands for payment in exchange for a job or internship opportunity
Unsafe working conditions
Harassment, discrimination or other inappropriate workplace behaviour

Warning Signs to Watch For

Before accepting a job, internship or placement opportunity, consider possible warning signs such as:

You have not been provided with a written offer or agreement
Your duties and learning objectives have not been clearly explained
Payment arrangements are not transparent
There is no designated supervisor or mentor
Workplace health and safety requirements have not been discussed
You are being asked to pay fees to secure a position
You are being asked to provide original personal documents

If something does not seem right, seek advice before accepting the opportunity.

If You Have Concerns

If you experience difficulties in a workplace, internship or placement setting, it is important to seek support early.

Depending on the situation, you may wish to:

Discuss your concerns with your supervisor or workplace contact
Speak with the UWA India Careers and Industry Engagement Team.
Contact Student Support services
Seek advice through relevant government labour and employment resources
Access formal complaint or grievance processes where appropriate

All concerns will be treated respectfully and in accordance with applicable university policies and procedures.

How UWA India Can Support You

UWA India is committed to supporting students throughout their studies and career development.

Support may include:

Career advice and guidance
Assistance with internship and placement-related concerns
Information about workplace rights and responsibilities
Referral to appropriate support services
Guidance on available complaint and reporting pathways

Related Policies, Legislation and Resources

For information and external employment resources, please refer to:

Government of India Labour and Employment Resources

External Support and Reporting Resources

If you need advice about your workplace rights, apprenticeship arrangements or employment concerns, you may be able to access support through the following services:

National Career Service (NCS)

The National Career Service is an initiative of the Ministry of Labour and Employment that provides career guidance, employment services, apprenticeships, internships and job-related information for students and graduates.

Website: https://www.ncs.gov.in/

Helpline: 1514

Labour and Employment Information

The Ministry of Labour and Employment provides information on workplace rights, labour laws, apprenticeships and employment services through its official website.

Website: https://labour.gov.in/

UWA India Student Complaints and Grievances

If a workplace, internship or placement issue affects your studies, wellbeing or university experience, you may be able to access support through UWA India's student complaints and grievance processes.

Details of the relevant reporting pathways, contact points and grievance mechanisms will be published as they become available.