Bill to curb 7-Eleven style underpayment

A private member's bill has been introduced to parliament to make head office franchisors responsible for the underpayments of staff by franchisees.

Corporate bosses would be held responsible if franchise workers are underpaid under legislation presented to federal parliament.

A private bill proposed by Greens MP Adam Bandt is a response to the reported exploitation of 7-Eleven workers across the country.

Mr Bandt told the lower house on Monday it was wrong for people to only be paid half of what they are owed - as some staff from the convenience store operation have been.