The shop workers' union has called on the federal government to protect any 7-Eleven employees who come forward with details of illegal employment practices.
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The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association said most workers are on international student visas who may be too scared to come forward.
SDA national secretary Gerard Dwyer said the revelations about underpayments at 7-Eleven as revealed by Fairfax Media were too extensive to ignore.
"The problem is that the victims of these practices are vulnerable international students who may be worried they will face reprisals from the Immigration Department if they come forward," Mr Dwyer said.
"The one thing the federal government can do to ensure all the facts come to light is to grant workers an amnesty for any breaches of immigration regulations.
"These are shocking revelations that need to be thoroughly explored, and the only way to ensure that happens is to make sure workers feel confident enough to be able to come forward with the facts.
"These are vulnerable workers who have been through enough. The last thing they need is the threat of repercussions for speaking out against illegal workplace practices hanging over their heads."
The SDA has launched a national hotline 131-SDA (131 732) for any worker who believes he or she has been underpaid.
