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Melbourne business faces court for under-payment
11 Jul '11
2 min read
The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched a prosecution against a Melbourne business for allegedly underpaying a Chinese immigrant more than $27,000.
A 61-year-old embroiderer's assistant who speaks little English was allegedly paid flat hourly rates ranging from $9 to $12, plus an additional $1 an hour when working overtime, as defined by her employer.
However, the Fair Work Ombudsman says the worker was entitled to a normal hourly rate of more than $13 and up to $36 an hour for overtime, weekend and public holiday work.
Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson says the employee's vulnerability was a key factor in the decision to prosecute.
Facing court is Collingwood-based Access Embroidery (Australia) Pty Ltd, which is engaged in embroidery and the finishing and alteration of garments.
Also facing court is manager and part-owner Tao Hua.
Documents lodged in the Federal Magistrates Court in Melbourne allege Mr Hua was centrally involved in Access Embroidery underpaying the worker a total of $27,123 between May, 2006 and March, 2010.
Fair Work inspectors discovered the alleged underpayment when they investigated a complaint from the woman.
Access Embroidery rectified the alleged underpayment earlier this year.
It is alleged Mr Hua and Access Embroidery were involved in further breaching workplace law by failing to keep proper employment records.
Mr Hua and Access Embroidery allegedly committed several breaches of workplace law. Mr Hua faces maximum penalties of up to $6600 per breach and Access Embroidery faces maximum penalties of up to $33,000 per breach.
The case is listed for a directions hearing on July 13.
A 61-year-old embroiderer's assistant who speaks little English was allegedly paid flat hourly rates ranging from $9 to $12, plus an additional $1 an hour when working overtime, as defined by her employer.
However, the Fair Work Ombudsman says the worker was entitled to a normal hourly rate of more than $13 and up to $36 an hour for overtime, weekend and public holiday work.
Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson says the employee's vulnerability was a key factor in the decision to prosecute.
Facing court is Collingwood-based Access Embroidery (Australia) Pty Ltd, which is engaged in embroidery and the finishing and alteration of garments.
Also facing court is manager and part-owner Tao Hua.
Documents lodged in the Federal Magistrates Court in Melbourne allege Mr Hua was centrally involved in Access Embroidery underpaying the worker a total of $27,123 between May, 2006 and March, 2010.
Fair Work inspectors discovered the alleged underpayment when they investigated a complaint from the woman.
Access Embroidery rectified the alleged underpayment earlier this year.
It is alleged Mr Hua and Access Embroidery were involved in further breaching workplace law by failing to keep proper employment records.
Mr Hua and Access Embroidery allegedly committed several breaches of workplace law. Mr Hua faces maximum penalties of up to $6600 per breach and Access Embroidery faces maximum penalties of up to $33,000 per breach.
The case is listed for a directions hearing on July 13.
The Fair Work Ombudsman
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