Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
9 Dec 2009
Business pair fined $2000 for underpaying
Darwin hairdresser
The former owners of a Darwin hairdressing business have been fined $2000 for
underpaying an apprentice, following a prosecution by the Fair Work
Ombudsman.
Tineil Tai and Stanley John Huen, of Rosebery Heights, who previously owned
Hair Del Mar at Fannie Bay, have each been fined $1000 in the Federal
Magistrates Court in Darwin.
Federal Magistrate Janet Terry imposed the fines after the couple admitted failing
to pay a 20-year-old apprentice hairdresser’s accrued annual leave entitlements
when she resigned.
The apprentice accrued $993 in annual leave entitlements when she worked full-
time at Hair Del Mar from January to October last year.
Fair Work inspectors investigated the case after the young woman lodged a
complaint.
After Tai and Huen repeatedly failed to comply with requests to back-pay
outstanding entitlements, the Fair Work Ombudsman initiated legal action.
The apprentice was only reimbursed after the prosecution commenced.
Fair Work Ombudsman Northern Territory Director Sharon Blandy says Tai and
Huen were experiencing cash-flow problems at the time of the underpayment but
their decision to prioritise their own financial needs above their legal obligation to
pay an employee correctly was a serious error of judgment.
“The amount of the underpayment was significant to this young worker,” Ms
Blandy said.
“This case sends a message that failing to pay workers their full entitlements
simply will not be tolerated.
“The tough economic conditions represent challenging times for businesses but
they are no excuse for failing to pay workers their lawful entitlements.”
The Fair Work Ombudsman promotes harmonious, productive and co-operative
workplaces. It also monitors compliance and investigates breaches of national
workplace laws.
Employers or employees seeking assistance should contact the Fair Work Infoline
on 13 13 94 or visit www.fairwork.gov.au For translations call 13 14 50.
Media: Craig Bildstien, 0419 818 484. Ryan Pedler, 0434 365 924.
NEWS 
