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Breaking News
Security workers get $156k backpay
29th October, 2008
Nightclub bouncers and guards at banks and shopping centres are among 280 Queensland security workers to be back-paid more than $156,000.
The underpayments were identified when the federal Workplace Ombudsman randomly targeted almost 300 companies throughout Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.
The recovery comes on top of almost $300,000 the Workplace Ombudsman has recently recouped for more than 1,000 workers in clubs, restaurants, cafes and caterers. Workplace Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says his office earmarked the security industry for scrutiny following large numbers of complaints.
Campbell says they identified 43 suspected breaches of the Workplace Relations Act - almost half relating to rates of pay.
One Brisbane security company has had to back-pay 15 staff $34,000.
Another on the Gold Coast has had to back-pay $24,000 to 23 workers, while in the Darling Downs, a company has reimbursed nine employees $25,000.
No specific details were available on Sunshine Coast companies.
"While $156,293 has been reimbursed to 280 workers so far, 16 audits remain to be completed and additional money could still be recovered," he said.
Mr Campbell said legal action remained a possibility depending on the outcome of remaining investigations, particularly those focussed on sham contracts.
"This is an industry with a large proportion of vulnerable workers, such as young people and migrants, and it is our job to ensure they are being paid their lawful wages and entitlements," he said.
www.thedaily.com.au/news/2008/oct/21/security-staff-pay-back/