NSW contract cleaning business penalised
The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured a total of $15,984 in penalties in court against a contract cleaning business located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales and its director.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court has imposed a $13,320 penalty against T.S.T Commercial Cleaning Pty Ltd, which is based in Rutherford, and a $2,664 penalty against company director Tracey Greer.
The penalties were imposed in response to T.S.T Commercial Cleaning failing to comply with a Compliance Notice requiring the back-payment of entitlements to two workers employed by the company as cleaners on a casual basis for various periods in January 2021 and February 2021.
T.S.T Commercial Cleaning back-paid the workers only after the Fair Work Ombudsman commenced legal proceedings.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said business operators that fail to act on Compliance Notices need to be aware they can face court-imposed penalties on top of having to back-pay workers.
“When Compliance Notices are not followed, we are prepared to take legal action to ensure workers receive their lawful entitlements,” Ms Parker said.
“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance.”
The regulator investigated after receiving requests for assistance from the two affected workers.
A Fair Work inspector issued a Compliance Notice to T.S.T Commercial Cleaning in April 2021 after forming a belief the workers had not been paid all entitlements owed under the Cleaning Services Award 2020.
The inspector formed a belief the two workers were underpaid entitlements including minimum rates for ordinary hours, casual loading entitlements, and that they were not paid for all hours they worked.
Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance about their rights and obligations in the workplace. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.
The website includes targeted resources for small businesses in the Small Business Showcase.
