Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
11 Nov 2009
76 per cent pass rate for Eastlands employers
More than three quarters of businesses randomly audited at a Hobart shopping
centre are complying with national workplace laws, the Fair Work Ombudsman
has revealed.
Inspectors visited 51 employers at Eastlands at Rosny Park last month and have
given the thumbs up to 39 of them.
Investigations are continuing into the remaining 12, where inspectors found
evidence of staff not being paid for between 15 and 45 minutes a day at the start
and end of their shifts.
Fair Work Ombudsman Tasmanian Director Glenn Jordan says it is concerning
that some businesses think they can request staff to clean and prepare the store
for opening and balance the cash register after closing without paying them for
the time involved.
“Our inspectors are following-up with these employers now to determine exactly
what is occurring,” Mr Jordan said.
“We will be auditing records to ensure staff are receiving their full entitlements,
including the minimum hourly rate and penalty rates for night, weekend and
overtime work.
“Our preference is to assist employers to voluntarily rectify any issues identified
but if they refuse to co-operate or we discover any serious breaches, then court
action is possible.”
Eastlands is the first shopping centre to be audited as part of a targeted
campaign that will see further Tasmanian centres earmarked for scrutiny early
next year.
The campaign follows a Fair Work Ombudsman survey which found that 25 per
cent of young Tasmanian students had been asked to work for nothing at the
start and end of their shifts.
“We need to educate employers that it’s not okay to ask their employees to work
for free,” Mr Jordan said.
He urged any employer unsure about pay rates to contact the Fair Work Infoline
on 13 13 94 or visit www.fwo.gov.au where they could download a range of
information, including new Best Practice Guides to assist them to create better
workplaces.
Media: Craig Bildstien, 0419 818 484. craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au
Ryan Pedler, (03) 9954 2561, 0434 365 924. ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
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