WA truck driver who complained to Fair Work Ombudsman about underpayments has received $8000 following an investigation into his claims
June 26, 2012
A Western Australian truck driver who complained to the workplace watchdog about not receiving his correct wage and leave entitlements has been back-paid following an investigation into his claims.
The driver from Bunbury in the state’s south-west believed he did not receive his correct entitlements while working for an operator between June 2010 and January 2011.
He lodged a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman, which found he was underpaid the minimum applicable pay rate and annual leave entitlements on termination.
A Fair Work inspector contacted the operator to notify it of $8,000 in underpayments, prompting the business to pay the driver what he was owed.
No further action will be taken against the employer because it voluntarily rectified the matter.
Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson says when inspectors identify a problem and contact a business, most employers check their records, realise a problem has occurred, and fix it immediately.
“We’re here to assist and give practical advice to employers on how to voluntarily resolve issues,” Wilson says.
