THE Fair Work Ombudsman has recouped more than $130,000 for about a dozen workers in the past month following a series of investigations.
A Perth-based sales manager for a national business was back-paid $25,000 after an investigation found she was not paid her accrued annual leave entitlements, severance pay and pay in lieu of notice when she was made redundant.
The investigation was launched after the sales manager lodged a complaint, but the woman was promptly paid after Fair Work inspectors contacted the company.
In another case, a Perth baker was fined $19,500 for underpaying a delivery driver.
The penalty was this month handed down in the Federal Magistrates’ Court against Welshpool-based Efes Bakery.
Magistrate Denys Simpson imposed the fine after the company admitted underpaying the driver $16,204 between 2006 and 2008.
Efes Bakery paid the employee $60 to $65 per shift, regardless of the number of hours he worked, which resulted in underpayment of the casual loading, overtime rates and early-start premiums he was entitled to.
Mr Simpson said the amount was significant considering the driver had relatively low wage entitlements.
