McDonald's Australia forcing 18 year olds to be Part Time

Hi All,

I have just turned 18 and have been strongly encouraged to sign a contract converting me from casual to part time. The means I will lose my 25% loading, but will accrue Annual Leave (approx 7.7%).

This seems a little dodgy, even like a form a bullying. I have been a great employee for four years and they are effectively suggesting that if I want to get hours, then I will need to take a 17.3% pay cut.

I have a friend another McOpco store in Brisbane where the same thing has happened.

Is this common practice?

Thanks