Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
10 Dec 2009
Adelaide company back-pays trainees $34,000
Six trainees working for an Adelaide construction company are being reimbursed a total of
$34,000 after investigations by the Fair Work Ombudsman found they had been underpaid.
One of the young workers was underpaid $19,500.
Adelaide-based Fair Work inspectors investigated the company after one of the trainees
lodged a complaint and found they were not being paid the correct minimum hourly rate.
In two separate cases:
An Adelaide automotive worker has been back-paid $37,000 after the Fair Work
Ombudsman found he had not been paid his full entitlements, including accrued
annual leave, pay in lieu of notice and long service leave, when he was made
redundant, and
Eight workers at a clothing manufacturer in Adelaide’s southern suburbs have
been back-paid a total of $32,000 after the Fair Work Ombudsman discovered they
were not being paid the correct minimum hourly rate or overtime penalty rates.
Fair Work Ombudsman South Australian Director Carey Trundle says that because all three
employers co-operated with inspectors and voluntarily rectified the underpayments, there
would be no further action against the companies involved.
“We have a flexible, fair approach and our preference is always to work with employers to
educate them and help them voluntarily rectify any non-compliance issues we identify,”
she said.
“However, employers must be aware that it is their responsibility to ensure they pay staff
correctly.”
Ms Trundle says the Fair Work Ombudsman can help employers and workers to understand
their rights and obligations under new National Employment Standards and Modern Awards
which take effect on January 1, 2010.
“The new workplace law landscape provides a comprehensive safety net of minimum
employment conditions that underpin the whole system,” she said.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has a range of user-friendly resources that can help employers
and workers comply with workplace laws and operate their workplace according to best
practice.
Employers or employees seeking advice or assistance should contact the Fair Work Infoline
The Fair Work Ombudsman promotes harmonious, productive and co-operative
workplaces. It also monitors compliance and investigates breaches of national workplace
laws.
NOTE: We are unable to identify the employers involved in these cases.
Media: Craig Bildstien, 0419 818 484. Ryan Pedler, 0434 365 924.
NEWS 
