Hunter Valley vineyards to be audited

Vineyards in the Cessnock, Muswellbrook and Singleton areas will be audited.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said Fair Work Inspectors will check employers are paying workers their full entitlements, keeping proper employment records and issuing employees with pay slips.

"We are conscious that the fruit picking industry, including the Hunter Valley sector, attracts many foreign workers such as backpackers who can be vulnerable if they're not fully aware of their workplace rights or are reluctant to complain," James said.

"That's why we place a high priority on conducting proactive activities aimed at ensuring these workers are receiving their full lawful entitlements."

In cases of non-compliance, the preference of Fair Work Inspectors will be to assist employers to voluntarily rectify issues and educate them about the free resources available at www.fairwork.gov.au they can use to ensure ongoing compliance.

James said inspectors will also encourage pickers to come forward with any queries.
 
"Inspectors will visit backpacker hostels where pickers may be staying to speak directly to them and provide them with information about their workplace rights," James said.

In recent years the Fair Work Ombudsman has investigated hundreds of underpayment complaints in the fruit picking industry nationally and recovered thousands of dollars in back-pay for underpaid workers.

James said common non-compliance issues in the industry included:

• Underpayment of minimum hourly rates, overtime and penalty rates,
• Unlawful deductions from employees' wages for travel and accommodation,
• Failure to keep time-and-wages records, particularly for casual employees,
• Employers failing to keep piece rate agreements for workers paid piece rates, and
• Detailed pay slips not being provided within one day of pay day.

The audits follow Fair Work Inspectors holding an information session in the Hunter Valley in November last year to provide employers with information on their obligations under the Wine Industry Award 2010, as well as templates and educational fact sheets.