The AWU shearing representatives say young people are increasingly turning up at union offices giving examples of how shed hands are being "ripped off" by employers.

"Shed hands are the lowest paid in the shearing industry and should be treated with a lot more respect, rather than being ripped off," Ben Swan, AWU assistant national secretary, said today.

"Reports coming into AWU offices show shed hands are being forced to attend for work on weekends which, in most instances, is outside the normal hours of work.

"AWU organisers have begun contacting as many shed hands and wool pressers' as possible to alert them to their rights to over time penalty rates that exist in the Federal Award."

Mr Swan said the Federal award was clear in stating that when undertaking any work outside the prescribed hours, which are Monday to Friday, 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, and providing no time was lost in the preceding five days due to wet weather, any work performed must be paid as over time.

"The AWU has been putting the word out to shed hands and wool pressers to contact their nearest AWU office to seek help in gaining back pay if they have been told to present themselves for work outside the 40 allowable hours," he said.

"It is totally unacceptable that exploitation of low paid workers continue. Similar penalty rates apply for any work carried out on a public holiday."