Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
10 Feb 2010
Hamilton transport company faces court for
allegedly underpaying truck driver $20,000
The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched a prosecution against a South-West
Victorian transport company and its director for allegedly underpaying a truck
driver more than $20,000.
Facing court is Ron Priddle Transport and Logistics Pty Ltd, which is based in
Hamilton, and company director, manager and shareholder Ronald Harold Priddle,
also of Hamilton.
Documents lodged in the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court allege Mr Priddle was
centrally involved in his company underpaying a long-distance truck driver a total
of $20,272 between 2005 and 2008.
The Fair Work Ombudsman claims the driver was underpaid his loading and
unloading allowance, living away from home allowance, annual leave entitlements
and superannuation.
It is alleged that Mr Priddle was also involved in his company failing to comply
with a Fair Work inspector’s request to provide employment records relating to
the truck driver.
Under workplace laws, employers must comply with requests from inspectors to
provide employment records relating to employees and former employees.
Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says the decision to
prosecute was made because of the significant amount involved and the
employer’s failure to rectify the matter.
It is alleged the company and Mr Priddle committed multiple breaches of
workplace relations laws.
The maximum penalty per breach is $33,000 for the company and $6600 for Mr
Priddle for the underpayment matters and $5500 for the company and $1100 for
Mr Priddle for the employment record matters.
The Agency is seeking penalties and a Court Order for the money allegedly owed
to be back-paid.
Employers or employees seeking assistance should contact the Fair Work Infoline
Media inquiries:
Craig Bildstien, 0419 818 484. craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au
Ryan Pedler, (03) 9954 2561, 0434 365 924. ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
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