Short-changed staff owed millions

Sydney’s hospitality workers could be receiving large bonuses in the coming months after federal audits showed almost half a million dollars in back-payments owing to employees.

A four-month campaign targeting the hospitality industry has uncovered more than $717,250 for about 2170 workers around the country.

“We have now finalised 571 audits, with about one third (189) found to be in breach of workplace laws,” Work place Ombudsman, Nicholas Wilson said.

In Sydney alone, unannounced night-time visits to 31 hotels uncovered $210, 000 of outstanding payments to employees.

“The aim of the audit campaign was to improve compliance with the Workplace Relations Act,” said Ross Drysdale, NSW State Director of Workplace Ombudsman.

Mr Drysdale said ‘cold call’ night-time audit visits were carried out within 31 pubs in the Sydney Metropolitan Area. Six breaches were identified resulting in $215, 000 being recovered for Sydney workers. These breaches included failing to pass on pay increases and to pay night time loadings.

The campaign identified most pubs and clubs comply with work place regulations during the day but Mr Drysdale said in order to gauge a try level of compliance Inspectors conducted cold-call visits during the night.

Workplace Ombudsman is under policy not to name businesses audited, unless legal action is taken against the workplace in breach of law.

A further nine investigations are underway across the state.