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Stewarts Transport accused of ripping off driver

Stewarts Transport and Logistics faces court accused of underpaying a worker more than $3200

August 4, 2010

A Victorian-based transport company will face court accused of ripping off one of its workers by more than $3000.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched a prosecution against Stewarts Transport and Logistics, company director Rodney Stewart and former director Pamela Stewart.

Court documents lodged in the Federal Magistrates Court in Melbourne allege Stewarts Transport underpaid the casual driver by $3228.46 between February and April last year.

The Fair Work Ombudsman claims the driver was underpaid his casual loading, penalty rates and shift allowances.

It has also alleged the company did not keep proper employee records and comply with pay slip requirements.

The matter will be heard on August 25.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking penalties against the Stewarts, alleging they committed several breaches of workplace relations laws.

It says the decision to prosecute was made after Stewarts Transport did not agree to repeated requests to pay the driver.

According to the ombudsman, the driver was paid outstanding entitlements on the day court documents were lodged.

The maximum potential penalty for underpaying a worker is $33,000 for a company and $6600 for an individual.

Companies that fail to maintain records face $5500, while individuals can be fined $1100.

ATN has contacted the company for comment.

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