Truck driver paid up

A TRUCK driver from Narre Warren has been back paid more than $30,000 following a recent intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
The man received $34,000 after being underpaid his minimum hourly rate, casual loadings, overtime and penalty rates between 2004 and 2012.
The worker was paid a flat rate of $15 for all hours worked, which was not sufficient to meet his minimum entitlements.
Fair Work Ombudsman executive director Steve Ronson said that under workplace laws, it was the responsibility of employers to ensure employees receive their full lawful entitlements.
“Employers must ensure they are aware of the minimum pay rates, including penalty rates, that apply and that their business is fully compliant with workplace laws,” Mr Ronson said.
“A common misunderstanding is that flat rates for all hours worked will compensate for overtime, penalty rates and loadings but often this isn’t the case.”
Two workers in Dandenong also were backpaid after recent intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
A metal worker received $11,600 because he was not paid redundancy pay entitlements upon termination of employment earlier this year, and a truck driver received $5500 after he was not paid for all kilometres driven and was underpaid the correct per kilometre rate in 2012 and earlier this year.
In all cases, the employers co-operated with Fair Work inspectors and the employees were reimbursed all money owed without the need for further action.
Mr Ronson said Fair Work inspectors assisted the employers to put processes in place to ensure the errors do not occur again.
Employers and employees seeking information and advice should consult the free tools and resources available at www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.