Company faces court over unpaid nbn work

The former operator of a Queensland-based nbn contractor is facing legal action after an employee claimed he was paid no wages for 150 hours of labour.

Following an investigation, the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has taken Attain Solutions’ Bradley Wells to the Federal Circuit Court in Brisbane.

The company, which was placed into liquidation last year, provided civil works and underground services for the installation of telecommunications infrastructure to entities contracting to NBN Co Limited for work on the National Broadband Network in Queensland. According to the employee, he was not paid for 150 hours of work digging trenches and laying pipes at various locations in South East Queensland in June 2017.

The FWO said that under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2010, Attain Solutions had a lawful obligation to pay the employee a total of $3945 in minimum wages, casual loadings, overtime and an industry allowance.

Wells also failed to ensure the company complied with Notice to Produce Records and Documents issued during the investigation.

The matter will be listed for a directions hearing in the Federal Circuit Court in Brisbane, where Wells faces penalties of up to $10,800 per contravention. The FWO is also seeking a Court Order for Wells to back-pay the employee in full.

“Young workers can be particularly vulnerable to exploitation because they are often unaware of their entitlements or reluctant to complain. Any employer that fails to comply with their fundamental obligation to pay wages for work performed will face serious consequences,” said FWO Sandra Parker.

“We urge any young workers with concerns about their wages or entitlements to contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice and assistance.”

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