WA timber carrier fined $22,500 for underpaying two truck drivers almost $50,000 over two years
October 13, 2009
Western Australian operator the Palcon Group has been fined $22,500 for underpaying two of its truck drivers almost $50,000 over two years.
One was underpaid $28,552 over two years from 2005 to 2007 and the other by $19,027 over 10 months during 2005 and 2006.
The Federal Magistrates Court in Perth imposed the penalty on the Australind timber moving company after a prosecution by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO).
During the trial, Palcon admitted to “significantly” underpaying bonus payments provided for in the drivers’ workplace agreements.
FWO Executive Director Michael Campbell says the case sends out a strong message that companies cannot dishonour agreements they make with employees.
“The FWO takes its role of protecting and enforcing the rights of workers seriously,” Campbell says.
Palcon paid back the money it owed the drivers in June this year.