Western Sydney workers back-paid $170,000!

A number of workers in Sydney’s western suburbs have been reimbursed more than $170,000 after recent routine audits and investigations by the Fair Work Ombudsman found they were underpaid.

The largest recovery was $25,000 for a Leppington storeman who was underpaid his minimum hourly rate, pay in lieu of notice and annual leave entitlements.  In a separate case, a Blacktown tradesman has been reimbursed $17,000 after he was underpaid his minimum hourly rate, penalty rates for overtime and tool and travel allowances.

Further similar cases were reported in Bella Vista, Granville, Paramatta, Blacktown, Harris Park, Blacktown, Engadine, St Mary’s, Breakfast Point, Enfield, Guildford, Oakhurst and Rouse Hill. Fair Work inspectors discovered the underpayments through a combination of routine audits and investigations into complaints from workers.

Common non-compliance issues encountered by inspectors include underpayment of workers’ minimum hourly rates, penalty rates and failure to pay full entitlements to workers on termination of their employment.

These cases are becomming more and more frequent and certainly highlight the lack of understanding of the detail in awards.  Don’t get caught out with potentially huge bills to pay and stay on top of your obligations. For help, contact HR Help Desk Australia on 1300 624 654.