$39k back-paid to WA video store workers
14 August 2013
The Fair Work Ombudsman has recovered more than $39,000 for workers at video
stores in Western Australia.
35 audits were completed across WA as part of a compliance and education
campaign with less than half (16 stores - 46 per cent) found to be compliant
with workplace laws, while 19 (54 per cent) were in breach.
Thirteen stores were found to have underpaid 72 employees a total of $39,666.
Six stores also had breaches of laws relating to record keeping and pay
slips.
Underpayments at individual stores ranged from $500 to $10,500.
Businesses found to have underpaid staff were located in
Perth and the Bunbury area, where one store
underpaid nine employees a total of $3705.
Fair Work Ombudsman, Natalie James, said WA video stores were selected for
this campaign because the sector had transitioned over the past few years to a
Modern Award, the General Retail Industry Modern Award 2010.
"The campaign aimed to ensure employers understand their obligations under
the Award and that workers were receiving their full entitlements," Ms James
said.
"While the overall contravention rate is concerning, it is pleasing that all
employers were receptive to Fair Work Inspectors assisting them to voluntarily
back-pay staff and rectify other non-compliance issues, without the need for
further action.
"Inspectors also assisted employers to put processes in place to ensure
future compliance and no further action was required."
As part of the campaign, the Fair Work Ombudsman
made employers aware of the free, tailored resources at www.fairwork.gov.au
to help them understand and comply with workplace laws as easily as
possible.
Online resources include templates for time-and-wages sheets and pay slips
and the PayCheck Plus tool to help employers calculate the correct pay for
staff.
The 'Industries' section of the website includes detailed, tailored
information specific to the General Retail Industry Modern Award
2010.
Employers and workers seeking support should visit the website or call the
Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. A free interpreter service is
available on 13 14 50.
Find out more:
Media inquiries:
Penny Rowe, Media & Stakeholder
Relations
0457 924 146
media@fwo.gov.au
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Page reference No: 3167