- Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson
Bentleigh man Terrence Cyril Thomas, who owns and runs Melbourne-based contract cleaning business, Over the Top Happy Cleaning Services, is facing court for not paying three international students, the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) alleges.
According to the 11 October statement, the three male students in their 20s allegedly worked for 61 hours, 63 hours and 207 hours in 2009-10, but were paid nothing for their service.
‘They were allegedly underpaid amounts of $1170, $1205 and $4445. The part-time and casual employees worked at various locations in suburban Melbourne performing duties including vacuuming, mopping floors, emptying bins and cleaning windows, laundries, toilets, offices and kitchens.’
The FWO discovered the alleged underpayments when it investigated complaints lodged by the employees.
Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson says the involvement of vulnerable international students and the employer’s failure to rectify the matter are key factors in the decision to prosecute.
‘The FWO alleges Thomas committed several breaches of workplace laws. He faces maximum penalties of up to $6600 per breach. The FWO is also seeking a Court Order for Thomas to back-pay the employees the amounts allegedly owed.’
A directions hearing is listed for the Federal Magistrates Court in Melbourne on November 19.