Yes, under Australian law, you should be paid for the trial work you completed at the meat processing factory. The Fair Work Act 2009 mandates that employees must be paid for all hours worked, including trial shifts. Here’s a detailed explanation and steps you can take to address the situation:

Legal Basis for Payment

1. Fair Work Act 2009: This act ensures that employees are paid for all time worked. The only exceptions to this rule are very specific and limited circumstances, such as unpaid internships or vocational placements that meet strict criteria.

2. Unpaid Work Trials: According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, unpaid work trials are generally not lawful unless they meet certain conditions:

• The trial is of a short duration.
• The purpose of the trial is to demonstrate the skills required for the job.
• The trial is supervised and the work is not productive or profitable to the employer.

Given that you were assigned tasks without guidance and performed work, it is likely that the trial did not meet these conditions and you should be paid.

Steps to Take

1. Document Your Work: Keep detailed records of your trial shift, including the date, hours worked, tasks performed, and any communication with the factory regarding the trial.

2. Request Payment: Contact the employer in writing, stating that you are requesting payment for the hours you worked during the trial shift. Clearly mention the date and time of your shift and refer to your entitlement under the Fair Work Act.

3. Reference Fair Work Guidelines: Politely remind the employer of their obligations under the Fair Work Act 2009, which requires them to pay for all hours worked, including trial shifts.

Escalating the Issue

1. Contact Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO): If the employer refuses to pay, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for assistance. They can provide advice, investigate your complaint, and help resolve the dispute through mediation or enforcement action if necessary.

2. File a Complaint: You can lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman online. Be sure to include all relevant details and documentation regarding your trial shift.

3. Small Claims Court: If the amount owed is relatively small, consider filing a claim in the Small Claims Division of the Local Court. This is a less formal and often quicker way to resolve payment disputes.

Practical Tips

- Professionalism: Approach the situation professionally in all your communications with the employer.

- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your rights under the Fair Work Act and the information provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

- Seek Support: If you are a member of a union, they can provide additional support and advocacy.

By following these steps, you can assert your rights and seek the payment you are entitled to for the trial work you completed at the meat processing factory. If the issue remains unresolved, consider consulting an employment lawyer for further advice and assistance.