Victorian unions are lobbying for better protection of casual workers as the government begins an inquiry into the labour hire industry and the treatment of short-term workers.
The state government's inquiry into the labour hire industry and insecure work in Victoria will begin public hearings on Monday.
Unions say they have uncovered exploitation and abuse by employers who are misusing casual contracts and other intermittent work arrangements.
"Nothing is more destabilising for workers and their families than not knowing whether there will be a regular pay cheque arriving," said Karen Batt from the Community and Public Sector Union.
The CFMEU says casualisation of construction workers exposes employees to unethical practices.
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"Casualisation and labour hire forces vulnerable workers into dodgy jobs and exposes them to unscrupulous employers," secretary John Setka said.
The union for hospitality, manufacturing and health services says its members do not feel they can speak out about mistreatment.
"Standing up for even basic rights is too risky," United Voice Victorian secretary Jess Walsh said.
The inquiry, which was a Labor election promise, will be chaired by Anthony Forsyth from RMIT University's graduate school of business and law.
Its primary focus is labour hire but it will also review whether labour hire operators in Victoria use current arrangements to avoid workplace conditions, obligations, or tax.
Insecure work and the exploitation of vulnerable workers such as migrant workers or visa holders will also be examined.
The inquiry's findings are due on July 31.
