Regional Tasmanian workers back-paid $38,000
Four workers in regional Tasmania have been back-paid a total of $38,200 following recent intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
The largest recovery was $20,500 for a Devonport production worker.
The male employee in his 40s - who was employed for three years - lodged a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman after he was underpaid penalty rates and allowances.
After an inspector contacted the business and explained its obligations, the employee was reimbursed all money owed without the need for further action against the employer.
Other recent regional recoveries include:
- $7200 for a Huon Valley hospitality worker underpaid the minimum hourly rate and penalty rates for more than seven years,
- $5400 for a transport worker near Sorell, and
- $5100 for a delivery driver near Devonport underpaid the minimum hourly rate and penalty rates.
Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson says that when Fair Work inspectors identify a problem and contact a business, most employers check their records, realise a problem has occurred, and fix it immediately.
“When we find mistakes, we’re here to assist and give practical advice to employers on how to voluntarily resolve issues,” Mr Wilson says.
“The businesses involved have now corrected the errors that led to the underpayments and put processes in place to ensure they will not happen again.”
Mr Wilson says that the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Assisted Voluntary Resolution team is now achieving resolution of about half its referrals within the first month.
Workers or employers seeking support should get in touch with the Fair Work Ombudsman via the website - www.fairwork.gov.au - or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. A free interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, 24 August 2012
