THE State Government has warned that it may prosecute employers who repeatedly fail to pay the correct award wages to their staff.
The warning followed the start of a new crackdown on restaurants and cafes, which historically have generated more complaints than any other industry.
Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke said the Government had written to 1,300 restaurants and cafes in Perth and regional areas.
The last campaign found more than 90 per cent of award-covered employers were breaching monetary provisions of their award.
“There is a clear need to make sure the industry’s employment record is improving,” Mr Kobelke said.
“The 2001-2002 campaign helped to recover over $750,000 in underpayments from 191 employers, highlighting a very poor level of compliance.
“Those employers who were caught out by the department previously may be prosecuted if they are found to be again breaching their monetary obligations.
“Employers not previously visited will be given breach notices and will be required to rectify any underpayments.”
Mr Kobelke said the new campaign by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection was designed to ascertain the impact of the original compliance campaign and continue the education of restaurant owners.
As well as hospitality, other industries targeted in audit campaigns in recent years have included childcare, cleaning and security.
The department also responds to specific complaints against individual employers.
- Mark Beyer
