Surfers Paradise retail worker paid $12 an hour
A young Surfers Paradise worker has been back-paid almost $18,000 after being paid just $12 an hour for nearly a year.
The 22-year-old female employee should have been getting a minimum hourly rate of $23.74, rising to $25.64 on Saturdays and up to $37.98 on Sundays.
However, she told the Fair Work Ombudsman that when she asked to be paid her lawful entitlements, the business offered her an extra $1 an hour.
The employer allegedly told the worker that this was “on a par” with wages being offered by other similar businesses in the area.
After receiving a phone call from the Fair Work Ombudsman to point out its workplace obligations, the employer is now paying correct wage rates applicable under the General Retail Industry Award.
It has also reimbursed her all outstanding entitlements dating back to February, 2015, when the employee was recruited.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says the employer has been appropriately educated about its obligations and given information about the free tools and resources on offer at www.fairwork.gov.au
“Employers in Surfers Paradise need to be aware that there are minimum wage rates, they apply to all workers, and they are not negotiable,” Ms James said.
She says that because the retail employer has co-operated, agreed to repay all money owed and ensure ongoing compliance with its obligations, it has avoided enforcement action.
“Our focus is on educating employers about their obligations and assisting them to put processes in place to ensure that any errors we find don't occur again,” Ms James said.
“Our online tools and resources can assist employers to determine their applicable Modern Award, as well as classification and pay rates, including base pay rates, allowances, overtime and penalty rates.”
Ms James said the Fair Work Ombudsman was striving to build a culture of compliance with workplace laws in Australia by providing practical advice that is easy to access, understand and apply.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, 3rd June 2016
