Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
19 Feb 2010
Melbourne fashion outlet fined $19,500 for
underpaying two workers
The operators of a Melbourne fashion outlet have been fined $19,500 for
underpaying two workers almost $7000.
Tovek Pty Ltd - which trades as CM’s Fashion at various locations around
Melbourne - has been fined $12,000 and the company’s sole director Uri Burke a
further $7500.
The penalties were handed down in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court following a
prosecution launched by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Magistrate Franz Holzer imposed the fines after admissions that Tovek underpaid
a former merchandise manager $6578 and a former retail assistant $362.
The merchandise manager, who was based in Collingwood, was underpaid his
personal/carer’s leave and annual leave entitlements on termination in 2008.
The retail assistant was underpaid her casual hourly rate and Sunday rates when
she worked at the CM’s Fashion stores in South Yarra and Collingwood in 2008.
Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says the case sends
a message that failing to pay workers their full entitlements is a serious matter.
The underpayments were only rectified only after legal proceedings commenced.
“The Fair Work Ombudsman takes its role of protecting workers’ rights seriously,
and the Courts are taking a dim view of employers who seek to shirk their
responsibilities,” Mr Campbell said
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 inquiries:
Ryan Pedler, Senior Adviser Media & Stakeholder Relations. (03) 9954
2561, 0434 365 924. ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
NEWS 
