FWO tackles Vic operator

A Fair Work Ombudsman investigation has found that Merri Transport Company Pty Ltd underpaid eight of its drivers more than $260,000.

The drivers worked for the company's Allansford depot, near the coastal Victorian centre of Warrnambool.

Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Michael Campbell says more than $248,000 was owed to six long-distance drivers who did not receive severance pay or wages in lieu of notice when they were made redundant.

"The drivers, aged between 32 and 70, had worked for Merri Transport for more than 10 years before their employment was terminated," Mr Campbell said.

"Two other drivers were underpaid a total of almost $12,000.

"They were short-changed a range of entitlements, including their cents-per-kilometre rate, loading and public holiday allowances.

"The eight drivers were underpaid amounts of $60,940, $49,885, $45,966, $44,687, $35,431, $11,920, $8219 and $3516."

It's not the first time the company has come to the ombudsman's attention – previously six complaints dating back to 2002 led to the company having to reimburse employees a total of $23,100.

Merri Transport has agreed to back-pay the workers in full. It will also send a written apology to each of the drivers, undertake workplace relations training for its managers, engage an external review of pay practices, and conduct a self-audit of its record keeping and pay slip practices.