Underpayment complaints spark education and compliance effort for facilities at points north of Sydney
December 19, 2012
Fuel stations and roadhouses will be audited across New South Wales over the next four months as part of a new education and compliance campaign.
The Fair Work inspectors will inspect 25 facilities to ensure employers are paying minimum wage rates, penalty rates and overtime rates for staff including console operators, driveway attendants and roadhouse attendants.
They will also check employers are complying with record-keeping and pay-slip obligations.
Audits will be conducted within the Newcastle and Hunter region, Tamworth and Port Macquarie.
Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson says the sector was selected for an education and compliance campaign following several underpayment complaints.
He says the campaign aims to increase awareness of workplace laws and the free resources available to assist employers in understanding and complying with workplace laws.
“Fuel retailing business generally have long operating hours, so this campaign provides a good opportunity for employers in the sector to ensure they understand their obligations in regards to penalty and overtime rates,” Wilson says.
“We also want to ensure the many vulnerable workers employed in this sector, including young workers and those culturally diverse backgrounds are receiving their full lawful entitlements.”
In cases where contraventions are identified, the preference of Fair Work inspectors will be to educate employers and assist them to voluntary rectify non-compliance issues.
“We are committed to providing free education, assistance and advice to make it easier for employers to comply with workplace laws,” Wilson says.