Victorian transport operator reimburses 29 staff almost $90,000 after failing to pay correct hourly and penalty rates and superannuation
January 14, 2011
A Victorian transport company has reimbursed 29 of its workers almost $90,000 after a random audit uncovered a litany of underpayments.
The workers from the Gippsland-based company were underpaid the minimum hourly rate, penalty rates and superannuation.
Fair Work Ombudsman inspectors investigated the company, which agreed to reimburse the workers in full after being told of its obligations.
Although the Ombudsman declined to name the company or detail its operations, a spokesman says the 29 workers were a mix of truck drivers and site staff.
The largest individual underpayment was $5700.
“We are serious about our job of ensuring regional communities understand their rights and obligations in the workplace,” Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says.
He says no legal action will be taken against the company because it voluntarily rectified the underpayments.
However, Campbell adds that employers need to regularly review their Award or agreement to ensure they are fully aware of their obligations to their workers.