14 October 2009

Ballarat employer fined more than $105,000 for underpaying apprentice

A Ballarat roofing company and its director have been fined more than $105,000 for underpaying a young apprentice roof tiler.

The penalty follows a prosecution by the Fair Work Ombudsman in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

S & J Roofing Pty Ltd has been fined $92,400 and the company’s sole owner and director Stephen Walters, of Ballarat, a further $13,200.
Magistrate Franz Holzer also ordered the company to back-pay the apprentice more than $15,000 in outstanding wages.

S & J Roofing underpaid the apprentice when it employed him from November, 2005 to July, 2008. He was aged 22 to 25 at the time.
The company underpaid the apprentice’s minimum hourly rate, industry allowances and annual leave entitlements and failed to make any contributions to his superannuation fund.

After the apprentice lodged a complaint, Fair Work inspectors repeatedly asked Walters to back-pay the apprentice but he failed to do so.

Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says the case is particularly serious because it involves a significant underpayment of a low-paid, young worker.

“The fine imposed in this case sends a strong message that companies and individual directors cannot get away with ripping-off young workers,” Mr Campbell said.

“We treat cases of young workers’ rights very seriously and will not hesitate to pursue any employers who we find exploiting this vulnerable group.”

The Fair Work Ombudsman promotes harmonious, productive and co-operative workplaces. It also monitors compliance and investigates breaches of national workplace laws.

Employers or employees seeking assistance should contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 or visit www.fwo.gov.au. For translations call 13 14 50.

Media inquiries:

Craig Bildstien, Director Media & Stakeholder Relations,
0419 818 484
craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au

Ryan Pedler, Media & Stakeholder Relations Senior Adviser
(03) 9954 2561, 0434 365 924
ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au