ORANGE orchardists are on notice ahead of a visit from the Fair Work ombudsman to ensure cherry pickers are paid correctly this season.
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Last season four Orange employers were fined for failing to keep records of hours worked by employees, which is a requirement under workplace laws.
Two individual business operators received infringement notices valued at $110 each and two companies were penalised $550 each.
Across the state inspectors found eight employers had underpaid 51 pickers and packers a total of $8918.
A Fair Work spokesperson said the fines for Orange employers were at the low end of the spectrum but regardless inspectors would randomly visit orchards in the area in December,.
“However, inspectors will also act upon intelligence they receive and pay additional visits to any orchard in the region suspected of underpaying its workers,” he said.
Employers will be asked to open their books, allowing inspectors to view their records, with an emphasis on minimum hourly rates, penalty rates and allowances.
Compliance with pay slip and record-keeping obligations will also be monitored.
Any employee or member of the community with information about the potential underpayment of workers is encouraged to get in touch with the Fair Work Ombudsman via the websitewww.fairwork.gov.au, or by calling the Fair Work infoline on 13 13 94.
A free interpreter service is also available on 13 14 50.
