World Day of Social Justice – Lin’s Story

World Day of Social Justice, observed on February 20 each year, highlights the importance of addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination for all members of society.

Community legal centres such as Circle Green play a vital role in promoting social justice by providing legal assistance, empowerment, advocacy, and support to disadvantaged communities.

Lin’s Story

Lin* is the sole income earner for his household and comes from a culturally and linguistically diverse background. He worked as a delivery driver for a major national employer but was being paid approximately 25% less than the minimum wage that applied to his employment.

When Lin raised concerns about his underpayment with his manager, he was dismissed and told instead that he owed the company for damages to a delivery vehicle. When he requested to discuss his wages further, the manager threatened to report him to a government authority for “working illegally.”

Feeling unsure about where to turn, Lin reached out to Circle Green’s workplace service. During an extended advice appointment with one of our workplace lawyers, with the assistance of an interpreter, he received clear advice on how to pursue his underpaid wages. Following this initial appointment, Lin decided to file a legal claim to recover his underpaid wages. Circle Green continued to support him by providing additional guidance on the legal claim process. As a result, Lin successfully advanced his case and secured a judgment against his employer for the wages he was owed.

Circle Green provided a safe place for Lin to seek assistance to address the exploitation he was experiencing as a migrant worker in the face of intimidating behaviour from his employer. 

Lin’s story highlights the importance of community legal centres in providing free legal advice and advocacy to the WA community. If Lin had not received advice from Circle Green, he may have been left without the knowledge or support to challenge his employer’s exploitation, potentially losing out on the wages he was rightfully owed and facing further mistreatment. Circle Green’s assistance empowered him to take action and secure justice, demonstrating the crucial role such services play in protecting vulnerable workers and ensuring their rights are upheld.

Support Our Work

You can help us make a difference and improve access to justice for people like Lin by donating here.

All donations are gratefully received and support us to continue our work, ensuring that more individuals have access to the legal resources they need to stand up for their rights.

*Client’s real name and photo has not been used. We have withheld identifying details to protect and respect confidentiality.