A Sydney couple has been penalised $37,500 for underpaying their nanny $93,235. The Federal Court described the wage theft as "deliberate" because the couple chose to pay the worker in Philippine pesos instead of lawful local rates. The underpayments Kit…
Fair Work is taking legal action against the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union for allegedly abusing 'scab' miners. The regulator has launched legal action in the Federal Court against the union in addition to five of its officials…
A lawyer has lost his unlawful dismissal case after being sacked for criticising a client of his firm - the ADF. He claimed unlawful dismissal and discrimination on the basis of expressing a political opinion. However, the Federal Court found…
Toilet breaks are a workplace right, as is having a drink of water, according to the Federal Court. The unusual ruling is the first of its kind in Australia, with Justice John Logan unable to find any other Australian similar…
The operators of three popular Thai restaurants are facing more than $630,000 in penalties for alleged wage theft. The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges the employer underpaid vulnerable workers and also provided false records. Thai restaurants facing penalties for wage theft…
A young labourer classified as an 'independent contractor' was paid 25 percent less than the award rate - and it's legal. Currently, workplace laws allow unskilled workers to be classified as contractors, instead of employees. As a result, employers can…
A BP worker sacked for posting a Hitler parody video has won his unfair dismissal claim and his job back. BP appealed the Fair Work Commission decision in the Federal Court, however, the court rejected the appeal. BP worker wins…
Another celebrity chef is caught up in a wage theft scandal involving millions of dollars in unpaid entitlements. Dinner By Heston, a restaurant sponsored by Heston Blumenthal, has gone into liquidation. Rather than back-pay the outstanding entitlements, owners Tipsy Cake…
A children's clothing retailer is facing court after allegedly underpaying four migrant workers more than $140,000. The Fair Work Ombudsman accuses the company of breaching Protecting Vulnerable Worker laws. Additionally, the regulator accuses the retailer of serious contraventions including hindering…
The Federal Court has heard shocking sexual harassment allegations that happened on "Gay Fridays" at a Brisbane chicken factory. The allegations involved habitual dry humping, grabbing of penises and also anal penetration. Ingham Enterprises, which owns and operates the Ingham's…
