Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
25 Nov 2009
Barossa Valley worker lodges complaint online
–
and gets $13,000 back-pay
A Tanunda worker has been reimbursed almost $13,000 after an investigation by
the Fair Work Ombudsman.
The employee, who worked for a Barossa Valley community services provider,
was underpaid the minimum hourly rate, accrued annual leave and long service
leave.
The case was investigated after the worker completed an online complaint form
South Australian Director Carey Trundle says the underpayments occurred
following a transfer of business and the case highlighted that all common law
contracts must meet the employee’s minimum legal requirements.
“Employers need to be aware that all common law contracts must meet the
employee’s state or federal legal minimum requirements - there is no excuse for
failing to pay workers their full entitlements,” she said.
Ms Trundle says the matter highlights the importance of employers and
employees alike contacting the Fair Work Infoline to ensure they have the most
up-to-date information on their minimum legal requirements for wage rates and
conditions.
The Infoline – 13 13 94 – is open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
A range of information to assist employers, including a suite of Best Practice
Guides aimed at creating better workplaces, is also available.
The Agency has offices in Adelaide, Mount Gambier and Port Augusta and last
financial year recovered more than $2 million for 1015 workers in South Australia
who had been underpaid.
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, 0419 818 484. craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au
Ryan Pedler, (03) 9954 2561, 0434 365 924. ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
NEWS 
