Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
14 Jan 2010
Newcastle campaign recoups $65,000 for
underpaid workers
The Fair Work Ombudsman has released the results of a targeted campaign
aimed at ensuring foreign students working part-time in Newcastle are being
properly paid.
Fair Work inspectors randomly audited 18 businesses known to employ
international students, including restaurants, cafes, take-away food outlets and
car wash sites.
The campaign followed allegations received from Newcastle Trades Hall
suggesting many students were being underpaid.
It included an information session at the University of Newcastle for international
students interested in learning more about their workplace rights.
Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says 11 of the 18
businesses selected for scrutiny were found to have contraventions – including
eight which had been underpaying their staff.
Inspectors recovered $65,000 for 80 employees - an average of $812 each.
However, Mr Campbell said only a small number of foreign students were among
those employees found to have been underpaid.
“Our findings suggest that more work is required in the Hunter Valley to educate
and assist employers to understand their legal obligations to their workforce,” he
said.
“While we found that most employers want to do the right thing, there is still a
lack of understanding by many of their responsibilities – and that’s where we can
help.”
Employers seeking assistance understanding the appropriate pay rates they need
to pay staff should contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 from 8am to 6pm
The Fair Work Ombudsman promotes harmonious, productive, co-operative
workplaces.
Media inquiries:
Craig Bildstien, Director Media & Stakeholder Relations 0419 818 484 Email:
craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au
Ryan Pedler: Mob: 0434 365 924; Email: ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
NEWS 
