Workers get $190,000 in back pay

– Bridget Cook
WORKERS from the south-east suburbs have been back-paid more than $190,000, including some from the Greater Dandenong area.
The recovery is a result of a recent intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Fair Work inspectors discovered the underpayments through a combination of routine audits and investigations into complaints from workers.
Common non-compliance issues include underpayment of workers’ minimum hourly rates, penalty rates and failure to pay full entitlements to workers on termination of their employment. Inspectors recovered $7900 for a Springvale education worker who was not paid for all hours worked or annual leave on termination.
A total of $14,400 was recovered for a Hallam office manager who was not paid annual leave and long service leave and $9200 for a Hallam manager not paid annual leave entitlements on termination.
Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell said that given the employers co-operated with inspectors and voluntarily rectified their respective contraventions, there would be no further action taken.
“Our preference is always to work with employers to educate them and help them voluntary rectify any non-compliance issues,” he said.
“However, employers need to regularly review their award or agreement to ensure they are fully aware of their obligations to their workers.”
The Fair Work Ombudsman has a number of tools on its website – to assist employees and employers.
For further information call 13 13 94 or visit www.fairwork.gov.au.