The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has started legal action against a major service station chain for allegedly underpaying employees, including at Somerton and Glen Innes.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Ombudsman alleges 22 workers were underpaid a total of $62,393 at 12 sites across regional NSW.
The action is against Westside Petroleum Retail 1 Pty Ltd and three of its management staff - general manager Patrick Riad, company accountant Francesco Ieraci and area manager Shahzaib Khawaja - who are each alleged to have been involved in the company's breaches.
The company faces penalties of up to $54,000 per contravention, and Mr Riad, Mr Ieraci and Mr Khawaja each face penalties of up to $10,800 per contravention.
The matter is listed for a directions hearing in the Federal Circuit Court in Sydney on April 12.
The FWO notes that all employees have now been back-paid in full.
Read also:
The FWO alleges employees were underpaid at petrol stations in Somerton, Glen Innes, Adaminaby, Wagga Wagga, Finley, Gurley, Lismore, Temora, Tolland, Blayney, Peak Hill and Cooma.
This was for periods between July 2015 and May 2016, when the 12 sites were each company-operated; the Ombudsman makes no allegations against any franchisee operator.
It is alleged workers were underpaid from $347 to $7772.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said inspectors audited Westside Petroleum after employees asked for help.
It is alleged the underpayments related to the employees' casual weekday, weekend, public holiday and overtime rates under the Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award.
"It is unlawful for employers to pay their employees low, flat rates that undercut minimum award wage rates, and those who rely on an unlawful 'going rate' can be left with a major back-payment bill and face significant penalties," Ms Parker said.
"The Fair Work Ombudsman has no tolerance for the underpayment of any workers.
"We encourage any workers with concerns about their pay to contact us for free advice."
