More than $1.2m in underpayments recovered for WA employees in 2020/21

This announcement is for: 
Employee / workerEmployer

In the 2020/21 financial year, Private Sector Labour Relations industrial inspectors recovered $1,240,151 in unpaid wages and leave entitlements for employees covered by state employment laws.

A total of 199 complaints lodged with Private Sector Labour Relations resulted in $566,678 being recovered for employees, with a further $518,348 recovered through an ongoing proactive compliance campaign in the café and restaurant sector.

Five enforcement proceedings in the Industrial Magistrates Court were finalised during the financial year, resulting in the recovery of $155,125 in employee entitlements.

Private Sector Labour Relations Executive Director Lorraine Field said today that although it was a great outcome for employees, it was disappointing that some employers were underpaying their staff.

“Recovering well over one million dollars in wages and entitlements for employees reflects high levels of non-compliance with WA employment laws by some employers,” Ms Field said.

Employees who believe they have been underpaid under a WA award, the state minimum conditions of employment or the state Long Service Leave Act 1958 should visit www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/underpaymentcomplaints or contact Wageline on 1300 655 266 for more information.

Media Contact: Caroline De Vaney, 6251 2363 or 0408 927 563 (media enquiries only).

Labour Relations
Media release
06 Jul 2021

Last modified: