Three backpackers working at an eatery in Taree on the NSW mid-north coast have been back paid a total of $7,900 following an investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
The two wait staff and a cook were not paid weekend penalty rates for seven months, and were subsequently paid up to $9 an hour less than they were entitled to receive.
"Most underpayments are inadvertent and the result of employers not being fully aware of the minimum pay rates that apply," said Fair Work Ombidsman Natalie James.
"Our online tools and resources can assist employers to determine their applicable Modern Award, as well as classification and pay rates, including base pay rates, allowances, overtime and penalty rates."
Yesterday, a separate investigation conducted by the Fair Work Ombudsman found that two employees, including an Indian national on a 457 skilled work visa, were underpaid a total of $6,600.
After the issue was brought to the attention of the business by Fair Work investigators, the two employees were back-paid in full without any need for enforcement action.
