FAIR WORK OMBUDSMAN COMMENCES LEGAL ACTION ACTION WOOLGOOLGA BUSINESSMAN

A number of truck drivers on the New South Wales Mid North Coast have allegedly been shortchanged more than $143,000, with the Fair Work Ombudsman commencing legal proceedings against the employer.

It’s alleged, Sumerdeep Singh, the former owner of now defunct transport company, Sumer Bagri Pty Ltd, used false records to disguise underpayments to drivers, who delivered groceries in and around Coffs Harbour.

The employment watchdog says Mr Singh’s income was sufficient to pay minimum lawful entitlements to workers, including minimum hourly rates, casual loadings, and penalty rates for weekend, overtime and public holiday work.

Mr Singh faces penalties of up to $10,200 per contravention and the ombudsman will seek a court order for any penalties imposed to be paid to the allegedly underpaid workers.

A penalty hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit Court in Sydney, on April 12.