Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
22 Dec 2009
Workplace regulator recoups $9500 back-pay
for Townsville tradesman
A Townsville tradesman has been reimbursed $9500 after an investigation by
the Fair Work Ombudsman found he was underpaid.
The tradesman lodged a complaint when he was made redundant but was not
paid his full severance pay and accrued annual leave entitlements.
The employer had unlawfully made deductions from the tradesman’s annual leave
balances for days when it was too wet to work.
After inspectors advised the company of its obligations, the tradesman was
promptly paid without the need for further action.
The recovery is among a number of cases finalised recently on behalf of
Townsville workers.
Inspectors discovered the underpayments through a combination of routine audits
and investigations into complaints from workers.
Common non-compliance issues inspectors have encountered in Townsville
include underpayment of workers’ minimum hourly rates and failure to pay full
entitlements to workers upon termination of their employment.
Other Townsville recoveries include:
$6470 for a tradesman underpaid redundancy entitlements,
$3650 for a labourer underpaid the minimum hourly rate,
$1460 for a young hospitality industry worker who had not been paid two-
weeks wages,
$500 for a young food outlet worker underpaid the minimum hourly rate, and
$420 for four young workers at a food outlet underpaid the minimum hourly
rate.
Fair Work Ombudsman Queensland Director Julie Wade says most of the
underpayments were the result of a lack of understanding by employers of their
legal obligations.
“That’s why the Fair Work Ombudsman places such a strong focus on educating
employers and assisting them to understand and comply with workplace laws,”
she said.
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Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
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Ms Wade says in most cases, the Fair Work Ombudsman does not prosecute
employers for inadvertent breaches of workplace laws.
“We have a flexible, fair approach and our preference is always to work with
employers to educate them and help them voluntarily rectify any non-compliance
issues we identify,” she said.
“However, employers must be aware that it is their responsibility to ensure they
pay staff correctly.”
Ms Wade says the Fair Work Ombudsman can help employers and workers to
understand their rights and obligations under new National Employment
Standards and Modern Awards, which take effect on January 1, 2010.
“The new workplace law landscape provides a comprehensive safety net of
minimum employment conditions that underpin the whole system,” she said.
“The Fair Work Ombudsman has a range of user-friendly resources that can help
employers and workers comply with workplace laws and operate their workplace
according to best practice.”
Employers or employees seeking advice or assistance should contact the Fair
Work Infoline on 13 13 94 or visit www.fairwork.gov.au For translations call 13 14
50.
The Fair Work Ombudsman promotes harmonious, productive and co-operative
workplaces. It also monitors compliance and investigates breaches of national
workplace laws.
NOTE: We are unable to identify individual businesses or provide additional
information about the cases listed.
Media inquiries:
Craig Bildstien, Director Media & Stakeholder Relations. 0419 818 484.
craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au
Ryan Pedler, Senior Adviser Media & Stakeholder Relations. (03) 9954
2561, 0434 365 924. ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
NEWS 
