Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
5 Feb 2010
Melbourne paint retailer faces court for
allegedly underpaying workers $25,000
The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched a prosecution against a former
Melbourne paint retailer for allegedly underpaying five workers more than
$25,000.
Facing court is Pride Paints Pty Ltd, which formerly traded as The Paint Factory at
Bayswater North and other locations around the metropolitan area.
The Agency is also prosecuting Pride Paints’ sole director Eberhard Peppler.
Documents lodged in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court allege Pride Paints
underpaid five workers employed as shop assistants at The Paint Factory outlet in
Bayswater North a total of $25,524 between 2006 and 2009.
The alleged underpayments included the minimum hourly rate and penalty rates
for weekend, public holiday and overtime work.
The five staff no longer work for Pride Paints.
One of the employees was allegedly underpaid almost $11,500.
Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says the decision to
prosecute was made because of the significant amounts involved and the
employer’s failure to rectify the matter.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Pride Paints and Mr Peppler committed several
breaches of workplace relations laws.
The Agency is seeking penalties and a Court Order for entitlements allegedly
outstanding to be back-paid. The maximum potential penalty per breach is
$33,000 for Pride Paints and $6600 for Mr Peppler.
The Fair Work Ombudsman promotes harmonious, productive and co-operative
workplaces. It also monitors compliance and investigates breaches of national
workplace laws.
Employers or employees seeking assistance should contact the Fair Work Infoline
Media inquiries:
Craig Bildstien, Director of Media & Stakeholder Relations 0419 818 484.
craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au
Ryan Pedler, (03) 9954 2561, 0434 365 924. ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
NEWS 
