Sanikleen Pty Ltd also agreed to donate $1000 to the Cleaning Accountability Framework after the investigation found it underpaid a cleaner it supplied to work at the Don KR Castlemaine processing plant by a total of $2856 between 2013 and 2015.

FWO inspectors investigated the matter after receiving a request for assistance from the employee last year and determined the underpayments were a result of Sanikleen’s failure to provide the man with part-time loading, penalty rates for Saturday work and paid meal breaks.

Sanikleen co-operated fully with the FWO’s investigation and promptly back-paid the employee in full and has entered into an enforceable undertaking aimed at encouraging behavioural change and future compliance.

As part of the undertaking, Sanikleen will commission training on workplace relations laws for managerial staff and commission external audits of its payment practices for the next three years, report the results to the FWO and rectify any underpayments found.

The company will also display a workplace notice detailing its contraventions and take steps to comply with workplace laws in future.

Ombudsman Natalie James said the matter served as a reminder to any employer uncertain about their obligations that they should proactively seek advice and assistance to ensure they are paying employees correctly.

“Underpayment of vulnerable workers in the cleaning industry is a persistent issue and the industry will continue to be a priority for us,” she said.

Sanikleen must also send a letter of apology to the underpaid worker.

The Cleaning Accountability Framework is aimed at promoting a culture of compliance with workplace laws in the cleaning industry. 

Employers and workers seeking assistance can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call 13 13 94.