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Australia: Lotus Farm & manager awarded penalties after ombudsman finds migrant workers were underpaid
Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine / Public Domain
After commencing legal action against Victoria tomato and cucumber grower, the Fair Work Ombudsman has found Lotus Farm and its manager underpaid two Vietnamese employees by more than AUS$28,000, falsified records to hide the underpayments and made unlawful deductions.
The comany faced penalties of AUS$130,806 and the manager AUS$28,987.
The exploitation of vulnerable, non-English speaking migrant workers is not something we tolerate,” he said. “These substantial penalties against Lotus Farm and its general manager send a clear message that those who attempt to cover up significant underpayments, including with false payslips, will be found out and face costly consequences.Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Michael Campbell