FWO also secures record-high penalties in 2024–25
More than $358 million in unpaid wages was returned to more than 249,000 underpaid workers in 2024–25, according to the Fair Work Ombudsman's (FWO) latest annual report.
The FWO said 60% of the recoveries came from large corporate sector employers, equivalent to almost $213 million back-paid to nearly 118,000 underpaid employees.
"An important element of this has been our clear expectations to large corporates that following workplace laws must be an ongoing priority – and this includes thoroughly fixing up past underpayments as well as improving governance and processes for the future," said Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth (pictured above) in a statement.
Significant recoveries were also achieved through the FWO’s dispute assistance services, targeted investigations, and self-reported underpayments, according to the FWO.
A total of $47 million was back-paid to employees in 2024–25 through eight Enforceable Undertakings, including four with universities that self-reported their underpayments.
Dispute assistance efforts also led to $7.3 million in unpaid wages being back-paid to 2,120 workers. Another $8.2 million was also recovered for 3,428 workers through 1,220 Compliance Notices issued by Fair Work Inspectors.
Overall, the FWO has recovered more than $2 billion in unpaid wages in the last five years.
"This outcome reflects the resolution of matters cooperatively within the workplace, as well as...
CDC website adds false claims linking autism, vaccines The CDC website has been changed to include false claims linking autism and vaccines. Live Now Latest Videos NYC life expectancy jumps to ...