A subsidiary of Tassal, De Costi Seafood, may have to fork out $1 million in backpay to its workers after the Australian Workers’ Union won a case lodged with the Federal Court.
The AWU had accused Tassal of not paying penalty rates for two members whose shifts started before 6am. Tassal also objected that employees who worked before that time were not entitled to any payments for early starts.
In addition, AWU reported that it believes about 50 current workers and hundreds of former employees have been badly paid more than a million dollars during the past six years.
“This case took years and enormous effort and I’m so proud of everyone involved,” said AWU NSW branch secretary Tony Callinan.
“This is a huge win for our members and proves once again that if workers join their union they can take on the boss and win big,” Callinan added.
“Hundreds of De Costi workers had been short-changed by their employer for years. Well, now that money’s coming back to where it belongs.”
