The Fair Work Ombudsman has penalised the former operator of a Central Coast civil construction business.
A $33,300 penalty was imposed against MDP Labour Pty Ltd by the Federal Circuit Court, for the labour company failing to back-pay a former employee.
The company provided services including laying pipes and earthmoving, and worked with the National Broadband Network.
The former employee, then aged 20, worked for the business as a labourer since he was 16.
In addition to the penalty, the Court ordered MDP Labour to rectify underpayments in full, plus superannuation and interest.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker says companies that fail to act on Compliance Notices can face maximum penalties, like the one in this case.
“We make every effort to secure voluntary compliance with Compliance Notices but where they are not followed, we are prepared to take legal action to ensure workers receive all their lawful entitlements,” Ms Parker said.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to MDP Labour in May 2020.
The inspector believed the employee had been underpaid public holiday pay and annual leave entitlements.
