$50,000 back-paid to workers in Melbourne’s North and North-West
Underpaid workers in Melbourne’s North and North-West have been back-paid a total of $50,900 following recent intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
The biggest recovery was $21,200 for an employee at a Thomastown manufacturing business who hadn’t been paid personal leave entitlements when he was absent from work for several weeks due to illness in 2012.
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 include:
- $11,900 for a fast food worker at Airport West underpaid wages and weekend penalty rates after being misclassified as a trainee between 2010 and 2012,
- $6,300 for a truck driver in the Avondale Heights area underpaid wages and annual leave entitlements in 2011-2012,
- $5,900 for an apprentice tradesman at Research underpaid wages in 2011-2012, and
- $5,600 for a waiter at a Diamond Creek restaurant underpaid wages and weekend penalty rates in 2011-2012.
Acting Fair Work Ombudsman, Michael Campbell, 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 Campbell 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.”
Employers and employees seeking information and advice on their rights and obligations should visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, 14 May 2013
