ABC admits to underpaying 2,500 casual employees

Former Assistant Editor
ABC

The ABC has commenced a review in conjunction with unions and the Fair Work Ombudsman, after admitting it underpaid several thousand casual staff members.

According to a statement from head of public affairs Emma Donald, the public broadcaster underpaid 2,500 casual staff over a period of six years

Donald apologised in the statement, indicating that employees were being notified and ABC processes were being reviewed.

“The Fair Work Ombudsman has been notified and the ABC is liaising with them in relation to this situation,” she said.

“The Corporation is having discussions with the CPSU, which brought the matter to the attention of management, and intends to work with affected staff, the CPSU and the MEAA to address their concerns.

“This error should not have occurred, and the ABC apologises to any casual employee who has been underpaid.

“The ABC is actively working to remedy this for affected employees as soon as possible.”

ABC section secretary at the CPSU Sinddy Ealy said the ABC will face a significant bill.

“If there are 2,500 people affected and one individual with three years of employment under their belt was $19,000, we’re anticipating the liability to be sizeable,” she said.

“It’s disappointing, given the ABC has repeatedly responded to our concerns by assuring us they are paying casuals correctly.

“Our priority right now is to make sure that casual ABC workers are paid any back-payments they are entitled to, and obviously to try to secure permanent jobs for some of these people, who have been working for the ABC for decades in some instances.”

ABC

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