While it’s fine for your employer to give you things such as free meals, drinks or clothes while you are at work, it’s not okay to provide these things in place of actual pay.
Call the Australian Unions helpline on 1300 4 UNION (1300 486 466) to get expert advice on what you should be paid – and what to do if your pay is incorrect.
Case study: Pizza without the lot
The Fair Work Ombudsman has revealed that over 100 employees of a pair of Melbourne pizza restaurants had been underpaid by over a quarter of a million dollars.
It has been reported the restaurant owner believed he could ‘top up’ their sub-minimum wage pay packets by providing pizza and soft drinks.
The restaurant owner has been ordered to repay wages to employees, some of whom are owed thousands of dollars.
