Labour-hire operator in court over alleged underpayment of Japanese fruit pickers
Fair Work Ombudsman has taken a labour-hire operator to court over alleged underpayment of two Japanese fruit pickers on a NSW Mid-North Coast farm. Legal action targets the operator's role in the wage theft.
Can a labour-hire operator be personally taken to court for underpaying workers in NSW?
Labour-hire operators and farm contractors should note Fair Work is actively pursuing underpayment cases. Affects any trade business using labour-hire arrangements.
Key takeaways
- Fair Work Ombudsman has launched court action against a NSW labour-hire operator over alleged underpayments.
- The case involves two Japanese workers employed as fruit pickers on a Mid-North Coast farm.
- Labour-hire operators can be held personally liable for underpayment of workers they place.
- Businesses using labour-hire arrangements should audit pay rates to avoid similar legal action.
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