Are Woolworths under paying their employees?

Woolworths has found itself in hot water this week with Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James claiming that they not only underpay their trolley collectors, but also routinely exploit them in different ways. The inquiry, which was launched in 2014, is finalising now with allegations of physical intimidation of trolley collectors being heard. James has related it to the 7-eleven underpayment scandal in recent news, noting that incomplete documents make the process incredibly difficult.

Woolworths has responded to James’ accusations that they aren’t taking the process seriously, saying they are disappointed she believes that, and claiming that they undertake regular audits and if there is an issue of underpayment, they rectify it immediately. They note that all complaints have been resolved successfully, and only two Woolworths sites are still under investigation for the issue.

It has come to light in the investigation that a 26-year-old worker was made to work from 9 am to 10 pm, and underpaid a whopping $26,000 in less than four months. He was apparently paid little or no overtime, and his employer provided incomplete pay slips and employment records.

We’re intrigued to see the results of this inquiry.