* 7-Eleven investigating abuse allegations (Adds details, clarifies that investigation centres on abuse atfranchises)
By Colin Packham
SYDNEY, Sept 21 Efforts to compensate allegedlyunderpaid workers at 7-Eleven convenience stores in Australiawill fail without a visa amnesty for affected staff, lawyerssaid on Monday.
Australia's 7-Eleven Stores Pty Ltd, which is licensed byU.S.-based 7-Eleven Inc, has appointed an independentpanel to investigate allegations its franchisees underpaid staffor forced them to work longer hours without compensation.
But Giri Sivaraman, principal at legal firm MauriceBlackburn representing the workers, said many of the affectedstaff were on student or other visas and feared being deportedif they spoke out. Many Australian student visas prohibitholders from working more than 20 hours a week.
Sivaraman said complainants would need to provide evidence,including rosters, time sheets and bank statements to provetheir claim, but in doing so they could also show they brokevisa rules.
"They don't trust the company and are concerned they will bereported for working more than 20 hours a week when, in fact,they were often coerced into doing this," Sivaraman said.
Maurice Blackburn was representing nearly 100 complainantsalthough thousands of current or former 7-Eleven staff could beaffected, a source with knowledge of the legal process said.
The probe by the Australian firm comes as the conveniencestore chain, which is ultimately owned by Japan's Seven & iHoldings Co, is facing accusations of unfair treatmentof its franchisees in North America.
A spokesman for 7-Eleven said the company did notimmediately have a response to the statements by MauriceBlackburn.
Russ Withers, chairman of 7-Eleven Australia, said in astatement earlier this month that the company would compensateany staff affected. (Reporting by Colin Packham; Editing by Stephen Coates andMiral Fahmy)
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