2 October 2015

A national security company is again facing Court action after allegedly underpaying a Gold Coast worker more than $7000 in just 10 weeks.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal proceedings against Security International Services Pty Ltd in the Federal Circuit Court in Brisbane.

The company allegedly underpaid the security guard a total of $7632 between November, 2013 and February, 2014.

Security International Services allegedly made irregular payments to the worker that were not sufficient to meet his minimum entitlements under the Security Services Industry Award.

The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges the worker was underpaid his minimum hourly rate and penalty rates for night, weekend and overtime work.

Underpayment of annual leave entitlements and contravention of pay-slip laws is also alleged.

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated after the worker contacted the Agency for assistance.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says the underpayment has now been rectified.

However, litigation will proceed given the significant amount of the alleged underpayment over such a short period of time.

Security International Services faces maximum penalties of up to $51,000 per contravention.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is also seeking a Court Order that Security International Services commission an audit of its compliance with workplace laws, report the results to the Agency and rectify any underpayments discovered.

A directions hearing is listed for October 7.

It is the Fair Work Ombudsman’s second legal action against Security International Services.

The Agency commenced legal action against the company last year, alleging it breached workplace laws by knowingly allowing one of its contractors, GRI Global, to underpay a Queensland security guard more than $11,000.

The matter is still before the Federal Circuit Court.

Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. A free interpreter service is available by calling 13 14 50.

Small businesses can opt to be put through to a Small Business Helpline to receive priority service if they are uncertain about their workplace obligations.

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:

Ryan Pedler, Assistant Media Director
Mobile: 0411 430 902
ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au