Baby & Kids, which operates a Baby Direct store in Dandenong, is accused of underpaying a staff member.
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has started legal proceedings against the company, which formerly operated stores in Ringwood and Hoppers Crossing and was previously registered as Baby Direct Hoppers Crossing, after a complaint from a former employee.
The worker was employed by the company in a full-time ecommerce role in January to October 2022 and duties included processing online orders and customer service for Baby Direct’s online shop. She was based at the Hoppers Crossing store before working from home full-time.
A Fair Work inspector issued a compliance notice to Baby & Kids in March 2023 after research showed the company did not pay the worker any wages for her final two weeks of work and failed to pay her accrued but untaken annual leave entitlements at the end of her employment.
However, the company has failed to comply and backpay the $4,374 plus superannuation the worker is owed and faces a penalty of up to $41,250 while its director, Qiyun Wang, faces a penalty of up to $8,250.
Fair Work Ombudsman, Anna Booth, says the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests are not complied with.
“Where employers do not comply, we will take appropriate action to protect employees,” she says.
“A court can order a business to pay penalties and make payments to workers.”
The regulator is also seeking an order for the company to pay the alleged amount owing to the employee, plus superannuation and interest.
“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance.”
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Melbourne on 6 August 2024.
