Transport company cautioned over underpayments signs workplace pact after ongoing issues
19 June 2015
A Melbourne transport company which was formally cautioned last year after short-changing its staff thousands of dollars now faces enforcement action after admitting further underpayments.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has taken a dim view of the further workplace contraventions and requested Dandenong-based long distance trucking business Logistics 1 Pty Ltd to enter into an Enforceable Undertaking.
Last year, the company received a Letter of Caution after it was found to have short-changed 41 staff a total of almost $25,000.
Despite being educated previously about its workplace obligations, the Fair Work Ombudsman received another request for assistance from a Logistics 1 employee in January, who was also found to have been underpaid more than $2300.
“Unfortunately the company failed to learn from its earlier mistakes,” Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said today, announcing that it has now signed a workplace pact designed to encourage behavioural change and future compliance with workplace laws.
Logistics 1 will provide a written apology to staff for its behaviour and give a commitment that it will not happen again.
Further, the company will commission workplace relations training for its managers and engage an external professional to review its pay practices over a two-year period.
The Enforceable Undertaking also requires the company to use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s My Account online tool, as well as subscribe to the bi-monthly employer newsletter and pay rate alerts for the Road Transport (Long Distance Operations) Award 2010.
The company has also agreed to report back to the Fair Work Ombudsman on the systems and processes it implements to ensure future workplace compliance.
Enforceable Undertakings were introduced by legislation in 2009 and the Fair Work Ombudsman has been using them to achieve strong outcomes against companies that breach workplace laws without the need for civil court proceedings.
“We use Enforceable Undertakings where we have formed a view that a breach of the law has occurred, but where the employer has acknowledged this and accepted responsibility and agreed to co-operate and fix the problem,” Ms James said.
Employers and employees seeking further information or advice are encouraged to visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice. A free interpreter service is also available on 13 14 50.
Sign up to receive the Fair Work Ombudsman’s media releases direct to your email inbox at www.fairwork.gov.au/mediareleases.
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 .
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Media inquiries:
Nicci de Ryk, Senior Media Adviser
Mobile: 0466 522 004
nicci.deryk@fwo.gov.au
