Following a return visit to three strawberry farms in Caboolture, the Fair Work Ombudsman has recovered $7,500 in unpaid wages for workers.
The money has been repaid to employees following unannounced inspections last month which identified several potential breaches of workplace obligations.
In addition to the recovered wages, two businesses have been issued on the spot fines; two of $170 for failing to provide all required information on payslips, and another of $340 for failing to keep records of hours worked by casual workers.
Fair Work Ombudsman, Natalie James said that inspectors visited over nine farms in the region
“It was appropriate that we re-visit businesses to ensure the message we delivered last month had got through,” said James.
“While generally Inspectors have been pleased with what appears to be an increasing awareness of obligations under workplace law, there are still issues of concern.
“Inspectors spoke directly with more than 100 foreign workers who sought clarification of entitlements and also raised specific concerns about underpayments of wages.
“As a result, we’ve been able to determine that on three farms there were underpayments and $7,500 has now been re-paid to 100 workers from three separate farms.
“While this level of underpayment is concerning, we are pleased that the employers have recognised the problem and voluntarily rectified the underpayments without the need for further action.”
Further information gathered at the site visits uncovered possible underpayments of about $16,000 to five farm workers.
James said that it is imperative that businesses in the harvest industries meet their obligations under workplace law.
“The Fair Work Ombudsman will be maintaining a close eye on the sector over the remainder of the season and will take action to ensure workers receive their full entitlements.”