$189,000 in back-pay for Perth workers
Workers at Perth have been back-paid a total of $189,200 following recent intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
The largest recovery was $93,400 for 12 workers at a Herne Hill business who were underpaid minimum pay rates in 2011 and 2012.
After Fair Work inspectors contacted the business and explained its obligations the employees were reimbursed all money owed without the need for further action against the employer.
Other recent recoveries include:
- $64,000 for 56 employees of a food retailer with various outlets around Perth underpaid wages and penalty rates between 2008 and 2012,
- $15,200 for a Perth security worker underpaid wages between 2010 and 2012,
- $6000 for a child care worker in the Midland area underpaid wages between 2009 and 2012,
- $5600 for an apprentice at Carabooda underpaid wages, penalty rates and annual leave entitlements upon termination of employment, and
- $5000 for a Perth-based surveyor underpaid annual leave entitlements upon termination of employment.
Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson says 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.
“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 $2.6 million in back-pay for 2244 workers in WA, with many employers voluntarily rectifying their workplace contraventions.
More than 57,000 WA employees and employers sought advice from the Fair Work Infoline in the last financial year.
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.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, 14 February 2013
