Persistent underpayment allegations from workers are among the prompts for a new Fair Work Ombudsman campaign in Victoria’s Shepparton region.
Fair Work Inspectors will audit approximately 200 businesses in the region over the next three months in towns including the major areas of Shepparton, Cobram and Yarrawonga.
Inspectors will check employers are paying the correct minimum hourly rates, penalty rates, allowances and loadings and providing appropriate meal breaks.
Compliance with record-keeping and pay-slip obligations will also being monitored.
All businesses will be randomly selected, with retail and manufacturing among the categories spotlighted for inspection.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said her Agency has been contacted by hundreds of workers in the Shepparton region over the past few years alleging they have been underpaid.
This includes a number of underpayment allegations from apprentices and trainees.
Ms James said the Fair Work Ombudsman recovered a total of $147,000 for 108 workers throughout the Shepparton region during the 2015-16 financial year.
“It is important that we are proactive about checking employees are receiving their full lawful entitlements and improving compliance in the region,” James said.
James said one of the aims of the campaign is to ensure employers are aware of their workplace responsibilities and how the Agency can assist them to access, understand and apply information to build a culture of compliance in their workplaces.
Key local employer groups, including councils and business associations have been enlisted to help the Agency promote the campaign.