ectors found that over 150 seasonal workers had been underpaid by over $134,000 and the follow-up visits are being conducted to ensure compliance.In addition to underpayments, inspectors also found that some employers in the region failed to make written agreements with workers paid piece-rates, that some businesses failed to keep proper time-and-wages records and that some employers were making unlawful deductions from employee wages.
This week, Fair Work inspectors will make site visits to about a dozen properties, including farms previously audited, and encourage any workers with concerns about their workplace rights being compromised to come forward.
“Previously, our inspectors provided employers with the information and advice they needed to meet their obligations under workplace law, particularly in relation to payments to seasonal workers,” said Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James.
“We are returning to Caboolture to ensure that local employers have acted on the information provided and are meeting their obligations.
“We also hope to understand why any non-compliance issues might be continuing, and this knowledge will help us better direct our education and compliance activities in the future.”
Together with Caboolture strawberry farms, Fair Work inspectors recently visited melon, banana and vegetable growers in the greater Darwin area, fruit and vegetable growers at Bundaberg and capsicum, tomato and banana farms around Bowen and Tully in Queensland.
