Childcare worker recovers holiday pay
A trainee childcare worker from Woy Woy was among a number of Central Coast residents who received a total of $15, 000 in recovered wages and entitlements, through investigations by the NSW Office of Industrial Relations.
The childcare worker received $389 in unpaid holiday pay.
Minister for Industrial Relations Mr John Della Bosca said: "Around $15,000 has been returned to local workers and their families, and a further $4500 is currently being sought.
"The money was repaid following visits by industrial relations inspectors to more than 80 businesses in a number of Central Coast centres in last few months," he said.
Settlements for employees included underpaid wages, overtime, meal allowances, commissions, clothing alterations, penalty rates and holiday pay, and laundry allowances.
Mf Della Bosca said the money was repaid to workers as a result of action on their behalf by the Office of Industrial Relations.
"Many of the breaches are the result of honest mistakes and most employers are happy to do the right thing when they are made aware of the problem.
"But employers need to know their obligations under the law and that they can face penalties of up to $10,000," Mr Della Bosca said.
"A further 150 businesses in Gosford and Wyong will be visited in October as part of an ongoing campaign aimed at taking advice and assistance out to workplaces.
"As well as resolving complaints for individual employees, industrial relations inspectors have been assisting groups of workers in the region through its targeting campaigns," Mr Della Bosca said.
"Our intention is to ensure that employers understand their rights and obligations under NSW industrial laws.
"We want to help employers and employees work together to identify and head off disputes before they arise, rather than simply responding to complaints," he said.
For further information on the Office of Industrial Relations' education and compliance campaigns or other activities, call 131 628.
Press release, October 13