Central Qld workers back-paid almost $40,000
Eleven workers in Central Queensland have been back-paid a total of $39,100 following recent intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
The largest recovery was $7900 for six food and beverage attendants at a Bundaberg business.
The Fair Work Ombudsman randomly audited the business and found the workers were underpaid the minimum hourly rate between September, 2009 and July, 2011.
After a Fair Work inspector contacted the business and explained its obligations, the employees were reimbursed without the need for further action against the employer.
Other recent recoveries include:
- $7400 for an apprentice at Emerald underpaid the minimum hourly rate,
- $6800 for a hospitality supervisor at Rockhampton not paid for all hours worked and underpaid penalty rates,
- $6300 for a Gladstone worker in the engineering industry not paid wages,
- $5600 for a Bundaberg salesman underpaid commissions, and
- $5100 for a Rockhampton truck driver underpaid long service leave entitlements.
Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson says he understands that some businesses inadvertently breach workplace laws and inspectors always take a fair and flexible approach when they identify contraventions.
“When we find mistakes, we’re here to help and give practical advice to employers on how to voluntarily fix them,” Mr Wilson says.
“These Central Queensland businesses 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 the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Assisted Voluntary Resolution team is now achieving resolution of about half its referrals within the first month.
Employers or employees seeking information and advice should visit www.fairwork.gov.au or contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, 23 August 2012
