Fair Work Inspectors have targeted employers in the Goulburn Valley, part of the Hume region in Victoria. Major regional centres of the Goulburn Valley include Shepparton, Seymour, Echuca, Benalla, Yarrawonga and Kyabram.
Significant Employment Laws Breaches
The Fair Work Inspectors found significant non-compliance with Australian employment laws such as the Fair Work Act 2009.
Following intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman, twenty three workers have been back-paid more than $34,000 in wages and entitlements.
Automotive Worker Dismissed Without Lawful Entitlements
In one matter, a worker at an automotive repair and maintenance business in Kyabram was dismissed without being paid his lawful entitlements of notice of termination, annual leave and long service leave. The Fair Work Ombudsman intervened and the business agreed to pay the employee an amount of $11,602.
Building and Construction Worker Not Paid Redundancy Entitlements
In a separate matter, a full-time employee in Kyabram who was made redundant was not given redundancy payments as his employer believed the small business was exempt. Under the Building and Construction On-site Award 2010, the business was required to pay the employee redundancy payments upon the termination. Following intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman, the business cooperated and back-paid the employee $8,000.
In another matter, 19 wait staff at a Shepparton restaurant were found to have been underpaid a combined $8,207. Ten of these employees were aged between 16 and 19. The employer had misclassified the workers as level 1 staff and paid them accordingly rather than at the level 2 rates they were entitled to under the Restaurant Industry Award 2010. After being contacted by the Fair Work Ombudsman, the business rectified all underpayments promptly.
Electrical Contractor Apprentices Underpaid
In a third matter, two apprentices working as electrical contractors in the Cobram area were underpaid $6,725. The underpayments were caused by the employer failing to pay both the correct hourly rate and the applicable industry allowances under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2010.
Employers Now On Notice
The Fair Work Ombudsman said each business was now on notice that further mistakes could result in serious enforcement action, such as litigation and the potential for hefty penalties.
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