fair work

Migrant workers receive $8000 backpay | Business owner | News.com.au

TWO migrant workers have received $8000 in backpay after working 80-hour weeks at a Goldfields retail outlet for a flat rate.

The Fair Work Ombudsman said a husband and wife team who moved to Western Australia last year to jointly manage a seven-day-a-week business in the state's goldfields had been shortchanged.

Fair Work Ombudsman WA director Leigh Quealy said the couple were 457 visa holders and the owner of the business placed a strict limit on his wages bill.

Mr Quealy said the couple claimed the limit left them short-staffed and working more than 80 hours a week sometimes for a flat rate of $835 a week, regardless of the number of hours they worked.

"Our inspectors were quick to investigate this matter when the couple lodged a complaint and we have secured $6000 in backpay for the woman and $2100 for her husband,'' he said.

The couple no longer work at the retail outlet.

Mr Quealy said migrant workers had basic rights and protections, just as Australian citizens did.

"Unfortunately, migrants with limited or no English skills and little understanding of Australia's workplace laws are vulnerable,'' Mr Quealy said.

"Migrant workers have basic rights and protections the same as any other worker.

"Even if they cannot read, write or speak English, it is important that migrant workers understand their workplace rights and that they know there is an agency they can turn to if they are concerned they are not being paid properly or treated fairly.''