$35,000 back-paid to workers in Sydney’s South and South-West
27 August 2013
Underpaid workers in Sydney's South and South-West have been
back-paid $35,100 following recent intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Fair Work Ombudsman, Natalie James, said the underpayments were the result of
employers not paying workers their correct entitlements on termination.
The biggest recovery was $12,800 for a manager at a Taren
Point panel beating business not paid his redundancy pay entitlements
earlier this year.
Ms James said that under workplace laws, it is the responsibility of
employers to ensure employees receive their full lawful entitlements.
"Getting it right when it comes to a worker's final pay is just as important
as ensuring they receive the correct entitlements throughout their employment," Ms James said.
Other recent recoveries include:
- $10,700 for a Roselands manufacturing worker not paid long
service leave, redundancy pay entitlements and wages in lieu of notice upon
termination of employment earlier this year,
- $6,200 for a Riverwood tradesman not paid his accrued
rostered days off and annual leave entitlements upon termination of employment
in 2012, and
- $5,400 for a labourer at an Eagle Vale business not paid
wages in lieu of notice and annual leave entitlements upon termination of
employment earlier this year.
Ms James said in all cases the employers voluntarily back-paid the workers
after Fair Work Inspectors contacted the businesses and explained their
responsibilities.
"When we find mistakes, our focus is on educating employers about their
obligations and helping them to put processes in place to ensure they comply in
the future," she said.
The Fair Work Ombudsman's website - www.fairwork.gov.au - contains a range of tools and resources to help employers understand and comply
with their workplace obligations.
The 'Termination' section on the website outlines the entitlements payable in
an employee's final pay and includes information on topics such as notice
periods and redundancy pay.
Other online tools include templates for time-and-wages records, an Award
Finder and the PayCheck Plus tool to help employers determine the minimum pay
rates for their employees.
Employees and employers seeking further information and advice can also
contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. A free interpreter
service is available on 13 14 50.
Media inquiries:
Tom McPherson, Media & Stakeholder
Relations
0439 835 855
media@fwo.gov.au
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