Pub facing court over underpayment claim

The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched a prosecution against the operator of a Queensland tavern, alleging it underpaid an employee more than $8000.

Facing court is Glasshouse Mountains Tavern Pty Ltd, which operates a tavern of the same name in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Also facing court is the tavern's part-owner and manager Tammi Maree Pointon, of Caboolture.

Pointon was allegedly involved in underpaying the annual leave and personal leave entitlements of a venue manager at the tavern and making an unauthorised deduction from the employee's final pay in 2011. 

It is alleged the employee was underpaid a total of $8638.

The alleged underpayment was discovered last year when the Fair Work Ombudsman investigated a complaint lodged by the employee.

Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson said the employer's failure to rectify the alleged underpayment was a key factor in the decision to prosecute.

He alleges Pointon was involved in the tavern committing three breaches of workplace laws.

She faces maximum penalties per breach of $6600 and the company faces maximum penalties per breach of $33,000.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is also seeking a court order for the company to rectify the alleged underpayment.

The case is listed for mention in the Federal Magistrates Court in Brisbane on June 20.

Pointon was unavailable for comment.

Source: The Shout, 6 June 2012