Retailer faces Court over alleged sham contracting, underpayments
Wednesday, 13 November 2013
The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched legal action against an international
retail company, alleging it engaged in sham contracting activity that resulted
in an Adelaide employee being underpaid more than $32,000 over
just 18 months.
Facing Court is eCosway Pty Ltd, which sells a range of household products
through dozens of stores across Australia, as well as through a direct marketing
network of 'business owners' who receive rewards for selling eCosway products.
It is alleged that eCosway breached sham contracting laws when it
misrepresented to an employee it engaged to operate its stores at
Unley and Kensington, in Adelaide, that she
was an independent contractor when her correct classification was as an
employee.
It is alleged that under workplace laws the worker should have been
classified as a full-time employee for a number of reasons, including that the
worker was not conducting her own business and eCosway exercised control over
the way she performed her duties.
The misclassification allegedly led to the worker being paid according to a
percentage of store sales, when she should have been paid Award employee
entitlements including minimum wages, leave pay, overtime and penalty rates.
The situation allegedly led to the worker being underpaid a total of $32,116
over an 18-month period between March, 2011 and September, 2012
The Fair Work Ombudsman discovered the alleged underpayment when it
investigated a complaint lodged by the worker.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said the significant amount involved and
the failure to rectify the alleged underpayment were significant factors in the
decision to commence legal action.
It is alleged that eCosway committed multiple breaches of workplace laws. The
company faces penalties of up to $33,000 per breach.
The Fair Work Ombudsman is also seeking a Court Order for full back-payment
of the worker. A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit Court in
Adelaide on December 13.
Employers and employees seeking assistance should
visit www.fairwork.gov.au or
contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. A free interpreter
service is available by calling 13 14 50.
Media inquiries:
Penny Rowe,
Media & Stakeholder Relations
0457 924 146
penelope.rowe@fwo.gov.au
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