Raven HR’s Post

🚨Nearly $167,000 in penalties over migrant exploitation The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has secured $166,860 in court-ordered penalties against one of Australia’s largest celery producers for underpaying vulnerable migrant employees more than $91,000. The three farm hand employees were underpaid $91,907 between them in the course of a year: 🔸 one of them more than $37,000 🔸 the other two more than $27,000 each. They were all visa holders from non English speaking backgrounds who had not been paid any wages during extended periods of their employment. The employer (a celery producer) breached the Fair Work Act after it: ❌ underpaid employees and failed to pay them in full and at least monthly between February 2020 and February 2021. ❌ failed to pay minimum wages, casual loading, overtime and public holiday rates owed under the Horticulture Awards 2010 and 2020. 😱 What’s worse is the Federal Circuit and Family Court found the conduct was deliberate and intentional! In his judgement, Judge Karl Blake characterised the employers conduct as “egregious”. Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth condemned the breaches, stating “The conduct by the employer in this case was appalling”. ✅ Ms Booth also reaffirmed FWO priorities: 🔹 “We don’t tolerate the exploitation of migrant workers, who have the same rights in Australia as any other workers. Protecting their workplace rights is an ongoing priority for the Fair Work Ombudsman. 🔹 “Boosting compliance in the horticulture and agriculture sectors is also a priority. 🔗 I’ll put the link to the full media statement in the comments. ———————————————————————————— If you need assistance with award and pay compliance contact Melisa Raven 🐦⬛ at Raven HR or book an appointment by clicking the link under my name.