Geelong workers back-paid $38,000

Three workers in the greater Geelong area have been back-paid a total of $38,800 following recent intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

The largest recovery was $22,000 for a driver at Geelong.

The long-term employee, aged in his 60s, lodged a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman after he was underpaid the minimum hourly rate and penalty rates over a four-year period between 2005 and 2010.

After a Fair Work inspector contacted the business and explained its obligations, the employee was promptly reimbursed all money owed without the need for further action against the employer.

Other recent recoveries include:

• $11,300 for a retail worker at Geelong underpaid the minimum hourly rate between April, 2010 and May, 2011, and
• $5500 for an Ocean Grove apprentice underpaid the minimum hourly rate, penalty rates and annual leave entitlements.

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.

“We’re here to assist and give practical advice to employers on how to voluntarily resolve issues,” Mr Wilson says.

“The three businesses involved have now corrected the errors that led to the underpayments and put processes in place to ensure they will not happen again.”
   
Employers and workers seeking advice or assistance can visit the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website - www.fairwork.gov.au - or call the Infoline on 13 13 94.

Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, 5 October 2012