Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
11 Dec 2009
Company faces court for allegedly underpaying
teenage plumber
The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched a prosecution against a NSW company
and its owner for allegedly underpaying a young plumber more than $7500.
Facing court is G.O. Plumbing Pty Ltd, which has a registered address in Penrith,
and the company’s owner-operator Glenn David Oag, of Boorowa in southern
NSW.
Documents lodged in the Chief Industrial Magistrate’s Court in Sydney allege Mr
Oag was centrally involved in G.O. Plumbing underpaying a young plumber from
February, 2005 to October, 2006 when he was aged 18 and 19.
G.O. Plumbing employed the plumber to install drainage and pipes for new
houses in the south coast region of NSW and the surrounding Canberra region.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges G.O. Plumbing owes the plumber $7551.
It is alleged that G.O. Plumbing underpaid the plumber’s minimum hourly rate
and annual leave entitlements as a result of paying him apprentice rates, but
failed to register him as an apprentice with the appropriate authority.
Under workplace laws only registered apprentices can be paid apprentice rates.
It is alleged that the plumber was paid $10.65 an hour but was entitled to receive
adult rates of $17.68 an hour because he had not been registered.
Fair Work Ombudsman NSW Director Mark Davidson says the decision to
prosecute was made because of the significant amount involved and the
employer’s failure to fully rectify the matter.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges G.O. Plumbing and Mr Oag each committed
two breaches of workplace relations laws. The maximum potential penalty per
breach is $33,000 for G.O. Plumbing and $6600 for Mr Oag.
The Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking a Court Order for back-payment of the
entitlements allegedly still owed. The case is listed for mention on January 6.
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
Media queries: Craig Bildstien, 0419 818 484. craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au
Ryan Pedler, (03) 9954 2561, 0434 365 924. ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
NEWS 
