Two Indian international students were underpaid thousands of dollars by a Sydney restaurant. The fast-food outlet paid the Indian visa holders a flat $18 an hour in place of $23.74 for ordinary hours, $28.49 on Saturdays, $33.24 on Sundays and $52.23 on public holidays.
The Harris Park business underpaid the two students $3820 and $3345 respectively and failed to issue them payslips.
The Fair Work has now issued a formal letter of caution to the business, placing it on notice that further breaches of workplace laws may result in enforcement action.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says employers need to take the time to understand the wage rates applicable to their individual workplace.
“We have minimum pay rates in Australia, they apply to everyone, and they are not negotiable,” she says.
“While most employers want to do the right thing, there are some who seek to gain a competitive advantage by exploiting vulnerable workers, such as visa-holder,” she added.
Employers and employees can call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for advice.
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