Workers in Melbourne have been back-paid a total of $556,000 following recent intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

 This month the Fair Work Ombudsman announced a number of recoveries in Melbourne, including payments for underpaid wages, penalty rates, annual leave and redundancy entitlements.

 These included payments for a retail assistant in Elwood, a Narre Warren child care worker, a dental assistant in Dandenong, a tradesman at Deer Park, an apprentice at Hoppers Crossing and a St Albans hairdresser.

 Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten said that it’s important to have an effective watchdog to ensure that all Australian employers know their obligations and all Australian workers receive the correct pay and entitlements.

 “As Christmas approaches the Fair Work Ombudsman is there to assist employers and employees understand what is the right thing to do.”

 In the last financial year, just over $7.7 million in back-pay was recovered for nearly 4000 workers in Victoria. 

 In the last financial year, more than 186,000 Victorian employees and employers called the Fair Work Infoline. And the Ombudsman finalised 7394 workplace complaints in Victoria alone.

 Of that, a total of $1.2 million in outstanding entitlements was recovered as a result of the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pro-active targeted campaign activity in Victoria.

 Campaigns conducted in Victoria included Mornington Peninsula record-keeping, building industry apprentices, regional transport and hairdressing.

 Nationally, the Fair Work Ombudsman recovered $39 million for almost 18,500 underpaid workers.  

 “I encourage employees and employers anywhere around the country to call the Fair Work Info line if they are unsure of their rights and obligations,” Mr Shorten said.

 The Fair Work Info line phone number is 13 13 94.  

 

Mr Shorten’s Media Contact: Jessica Lindell 0408 642 804