Sunshine Coast workers back-paid $43,000
Workers on the Sunshine Coast have been back-paid $43,200 following recent intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
In the largest case, a hospitality worker in Yandina who was underpaid wages and penalty rates between 2008 and 2010 received $20,000.
After Fair Work inspectors 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 recoveries after investigations by the Fair Work Ombudsman in the region include:
- $10,000 for a Gympie administration worker underpaid wages and annual leave entitlements and loading upon termination of employment in 2011-2012,
- $7300 for an apprentice at Caloundra underpaid wages and penalty rates after being classified incorrectly, and
- $5900 for a Warana professional underpaid wages in 2012.
Fair Work Ombudsman, Nicholas Wilson, said 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 said.
"These businesses have now corrected the errors that led to the underpayments and put processes in place to ensure they will not happen again."
Last financial year the Fair Work Ombudsman recovered more than $8.6 million in back-pay for 4906 workers in Queensland and almost $40 million for 18,500 workers nationally.
Employers and employees seeking information and advice should visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Infoline on 13 13 94 from 8am-6pm weekdays.
An 'Industries' section on the website provides extra, specialised information for employers and employees in a range of industries, including hospitality.
The new Fair Work Handbook has been designed to help employers better understand their workplace obligations. The Handbook outlines the aspects of the Fair Work Act that employers must be familiar with and also helps them to prevent and resolve workplace issues within their business.
You can find the Handbook at www.fairwork.gov.au/employment/employers.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, 23 January 2013
