Six plasterers at a Melbourne plastering company have been back-paid a total of $2000 in unpaid overtime after an ABCC investigation found they had been underpaid.
The ABCC found employees at the company had not been paid overtime rates for two weeks.
“The underpayments in this matter were due to a misunderstanding of a new enterprise agreement,” Australian Building and Construction Commissioner Leigh Johns said.
“When the ABCC contacted the employer and explained his obligations he was happy to work with the ABCC to voluntarily back-pay his workers”.
“Many underpayment issues arise from a lack of understanding of workplace laws.
We want to ensure industry participants are educated and aware of their rights and responsibilities and have the assistance they need to comply with them.”
“The ABCC provides one-on-one advice to employers in the building and construction industry about classifications and hourly rates, record keeping obligations, leave and termination issues.”
“Smaller companies without human resources staff can struggle to maintain up-to date information about Awards, agreements and pay rates. If they are unsure they should contact the ABCC for advice and avoid being hit with lump-sum back payments like this one.”
Employers or employees in the building and construction industry seeking advice should contact the ABCC Hotline on 1800 003 338 or visit www.abcc.gov.au.
Persons from a non-English speaking background who would prefer advice or assistance in their own language can call that Translating and Interpretive Service on 13 14 50.
NOTE: The ABCC is not able to identify businesses or provide further information about the investigation listed.