An overseas worker in Cairns was working in a travel agency was short changed on her paycheck. A Fair Work Ombudsman recovered almost $9,000 for this worker who was cheated out of her money. This worker was able to contact the Ombudsman through a free interpreter. Diligent Ombudsmen have earned pay that other workers overseas were cheated out of by their employers and can be easily contacted if an over seas worker feels they were short-changed by their employers.
Key Takeaways:
- The Fair Work Ombudsman has recovered almost $9000 for an overseas worker in Cairns who worked at a travel agency over a period of just four months.
- Further enforcement action was not taken as the business had not previously come to the attention of the Fair Work Ombudsman and the business owner fully cooperated.
- Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says she is concerned about the number of matters where migrant workers are being underpaid by culturally and linguistically diverse business owners.
“The Fair Work Ombudsman subsequently contacted the owner of the travel agency, who was also originally from China, and explained that it is unlawful under Australian workplace laws to pay less than the minimum conditions stipulated under the relevant industry award.”
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