Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
22 Oct 2009
$113,000 back-pay for 32 Casino workers
The national pay protector has recovered $113,000 in back-pay for 32 workers at
a company in the regional NSW town of Casino.
The employees were inadvertently underpaid the minimum hourly rate for more
than two-and-a-half years.
Some young workers were paid just $10 an hour.
The biggest underpayment of a single worker was $12,000.
The Fair Work Ombudsman started investigating the company after some staff
complained about their wages.
Inspectors discovered the employer had accidentally underpaid the minimum
hourly rate since early 2006.
Fair Work Ombudsman NSW Director Mark Davidson says the company was not
aware of its obligations to pay according to the relevant Award.
“We have assisted the employer to understand and comply with its
responsibilities,” he said.
“It has fully rectified all underpayments and corrected its procedures to ensure a
mistake like this does not happen again.
“We have chosen not to pursue litigation in this instance because the company
has fully co-operated.”
However, Mr Davidson reminded employers they faced serious penalties if the
workplace watchdog proceeded to court.
The Fair Work Ombudsman can help workers and employers to understand recent
changes to Australia’s workplace relations laws, including minimum rates of pay.
Employers or employees seeking assistance should contact the Fair Work Infoline
The Fair Work Ombudsman promotes co-operative, harmonious and productive
Australian workplaces.
Media inquiries:
Craig Bildstien, Director Media & Stakeholder Relations. 0419 818 484.
craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au
Ryan Pedler, Senior Adviser Media & Stakeholder Relations. (03) 9954
2561, 0434 365 924. ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
NEWS 
