A Pakistani worker, employed as a mechanic in Melbourne, was allegedly paid nothing for almost three months of work, an investigation by Fair Work Ombudsman has revealed.
Labour-hire company, United Consulting, received payment from a car dealership between January and March last year for providing the employee who was in Australia on a subclass 572 Vocational Education Visa.
But the labour-hire company did not pay any wages to the 26-year-old worker who then raised the matter with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
An investigation was carried out by the Ombudsman which later issued a compliance notice asking the labour-hire operator to back-pay the worker a total of $7066 in outstanding wages.
However, the Fair Work Ombudsman alleges that the business operator failed to do so, and that the record-keeping laws were also contravened.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says they are prepared to take action against employers who do not co-operate.
"We are prepared to take legal action against employers who refuse to engage with us and we treat matters involving overseas workers particularly seriously."
The Fair Work Ombudsman has now taken the matter to the Federal Circuit Court, which will have a default judgement hearing on June 14.
If you are seeking assistance any related matter you can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.
You can also contact SBS Urdu with any tips or related information for a confidential discussion.
