23 April 2015

Eight staff at a Townsville fast-food café have shared in $7600 back-pay after the Fair Work Ombudsman found the business was inadvertently short-changing the workers.

The employees were underpaid their minimum hourly rates, weekend and overtime penalty rates last financial year.

The café owners have voluntarily reimbursed all outstanding entitlements after co-operating with Fair Work inspectors. 

In a separate matter, the Fair Work Ombudsman has also recouped $7600 for a Townsville accountant not paid her outstanding wages and annual leave entitlements on termination of employment last year.

Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Michael Campbell says both cases highlight the importance of Townsville employers taking the time to understand their obligations to their employees under federal workplace laws. 

“A small mistake left over time can easily result in a hefty bill for back-payment of wages – so it is important employers get it right in the first place,” he said.

Mr Campbell urged local businesses to access the range of free tools available at www.fairwork.gov.au to help them understand and comply with workplace laws.

Online tools include calculators to assist employers and employees determine the correct award and minimum wages for their industry, templates for time-and-wages records and an Online Learning Centre with free interactive courses.

Mr Campbell says the Fair Work Ombudsman is making compliance easier for businesses by continually building on the information available on its website.

“Small businesses often don’t have the benefit of in-house human resources and payroll staff, so we place a high priority on assisting them,” he said.

“Equipping people with the information they need helps to create fair and productive workplaces, as well as ensuring a level playing field for all.”

Mr Campbell says the Fair Work Ombudsman is supporting compliant, productive and inclusive Australian workplaces by providing practical advice that is easy to access, understand and apply.

Employers or employees alike can visit the website or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for information and advice.

Follow Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James on Twitter @NatJamesFWO , the Fair Work Ombudsman @fairwork_gov_au or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/fairwork.gov.au .

Sign up to receive the Fair Work Ombudsman’s media releases direct to your email inbox at www.fairwork.gov.au/mediareleases.

Media inquiries:

Tom McPherson, Media Adviser
Mobile: 0439 835 855
tom.mcpherson@fwo.gov.au