Last year $92,800 was recovered for Western Australian building and construction workers following investigations by the ABCC.
The ABCC’s investigations ensured unpaid wages, leave entitlements, site allowances and superannuation entitlements were recouped for 25 individual workers in 2011.
The largest recovery came after the ABCC found 13 concrete workers on a Perth building site had not been paid for several weeks work, resulting in a back-payment of $65,774.
“The employer had failed to pay the workers for a period between December 2010 and January 2011. After an ABC inspector contacted the business and explained its obligations, the employees were back-paid without the need for further action against the employer,” said ABC Commissioner Leigh Johns.
“I am determined that employees in the building and construction industry get the entitlements they deserve. Every Australian deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.
“The start of a new year is a good time for employers to review their payroll obligations and make sure they understand their obligations to employees. As 2012 kicks off, employers should make it a priority to understand their workplace law responsibilities.
“The ABCC can assist employers if they need information or advice about their obligations.
“Unintentional underpayments might occur from time but it is important to rectify any underpayment as soon as possible. No company wants to face hefty back-payments, especially not smaller employers in the building and construction industry.
“Employers that are taking on new projects, working at new sites or employing new staff in 2012 can contact the ABCC for free advice about appropriate classifications, minimum wages and entitlements,” said Commissioner Johns.
In October 2010 the ABCC broadened its scope to become a full service regulator which investigates underpayment of wages and entitlements, as well as breaches of workplace relations laws.
Along with the $92,800 recovered for Western Australian workers in 2011, the ABCC recovered an additional $205,100 for 242 employees in other states and territories including:
• $60,500 for 146 employees in New South Wales
• $32,700 for 47 employees in Victoria
• $52,500 for 10 employees in Queensland
• $17,750 for six employees in South Australia
• $27,300 for 15 employees in the Australian Capital Territory and
• $14,350 for 18 employees in the Northern Territory.
Employers or employees seeking advice on their workplace rights and obligations should visit www.abcc.gov.au or contact the ABCC Hotline on 1800 003 338. Non-English speakers should call via the free Translating and Interpretive Service on 13 14 50.
NOTE: The ABCC is not able to identify businesses or provide further information on these cases.