Fair Work inspectors issued 26 formal causations, 20 infringement notices (on-the-spot fines) and 11 compliance notices, according to a statement released by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
“Almost two-thirds (64 percent) of the 197 businesses audited by the Fair Work Ombudsman during the campaign were found to be non-compliant with workplace laws,” the statement read.
The Fair Work Ombudsman had run a proactive education and compliance campaign in the region, covering suburbs including Cabramatta, Guildford, Mt Druitt, Fairfield and Merrylands.
“As part of the campaign, Fair Work inspectors conducted site visits with a particular focus on Harris Park and Parramatta in response to intelligence received by the agency indicating potential non-compliance amongst restaurants in the area,” it said.
Harris Park and Parramatta are homes to a higher than average proportion of migrants. Harris Park has 85 percent migrants, and 74 percent population of Parramatta is constituted of immigrants.
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“Only two of the 23 businesses visited in these suburbs were found to be fully compliant – a non-compliance rate of 91 percent,” the statement released by The Fairwork Ombudsman said.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says the non-compliance rates uncovered by the campaign are highly concerning and cannot be tolerated.
“Where possible, we seek to educate employers and employees about their workplace rights and obligations and equip them with the tools and information they need to ensure they are complying with the law,” Ms James said.
To know if you are being exploited at work or if you are an employer or an employee seeking assistance, visit the www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.
