CAIRNS, Australia (11 Apr 2008) — Far Northern dive operators have exposed the industry to possible large back pay claims by underpaying trainees, an ombudsman's review has found. The Queensland Workplace Rights Ombudsman yesterday released a report on the recreational dive industry, sparked by complaints about wages and working conditions. Ombudsman Don Brown said the review found "almost all employers engaging trainees were incorrectly paying them". He said many had corrected errors before the review and the remainder had now rectified wage shortfalls. "While individual complaints received by my office had been dealt with or referred to appropriate agencies, I am concerned that employers could be exposed to large claims for back pay if significant numbers of employees claiming to have been underpaid were to make an application for recovery of wages," he said. It was also found that commission earned by workers was being used by some operators to "top-up" wages to legal levels. Mr Brown said while there were only limited instances of staff being forced to work "excessive" hours because of staff shortages, employers had to consider fatigue and factor in breaks. "(The) investigation also revealed that some employers were not paying employees for all hours worked," he said. "There is evidence showing that trainees were being underpaid or have had unauthorised deductions made from wages." | | Quicksilver dive boat Mr Brown said overall, the industry had preformed well and co-operated. He said it was possible confusion over WorkChoices rules and standards had contributed to problems. "It was pleasing to note the willingness to co-operate shown by participating employers," Mr Brown said. Dive Queensland secretary Col McKenzie could not be contacted for comment yesterday. CDNN RELATED NEWSUK - Dive industry under investigation for ripping off traineesSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum |
