An Australian company has been ordered to pay a group of ni-Vanuatu migrant workers $US35,000 in missing compensation.
Photo: 123rf
Agri-Labour Australia will pay 19 workers from Vanuatu who were employed under the season worker scheme between 2017 and 2018.
It's the result of an investigation by Australia's Fair Work Ombudsman, which found the company had violated agreements to pay the workers as individuals.
Agri-Labour also admitted to incorrectly deducting more money from wages than was authorised.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said the action sent a clear message to horticultural employers across the country to get piecework agreements right.
"All horticultural businesses must be aware of how to lawfully pay their workers and, if using piece rates, ensure workers are paid in accordance with piecework agreements," she said in a statement.