Crocmedia being prosecuted by Fair Work

Crocmedia is being prosecuted by the Fair Work Ombudsman for underpaying two young workers, including one employee who was allegedly not paid at all over seven months.

Court documents allege the workers, who were producers at SEN, often worked multiple shifts each week, including many mid-dawn shifts.

Gemma Smith, a sport journalism uni student, was paid nothing despite being entitled to $5,767 for her work.

Jonathan Wilkinson, a recent university journalism graduate, was allegedly entitled to $19,341 for work he performed but was only paid $2,940.

The Ombudsman alleges Gemma and Jonathan were misclassified as volunteers or contractors and should have been classified as casual employees.

Crocmedia Chief Executive Craig Hutchison has told The Australian the company had a "good history" of developing staff but understood the position taken by the ombudsman.

"We apologise for that and take it on board. We're working with (the ombudsman)."

Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director, Steve Ronson, said:

"The significant alleged underpayment of vulnerable, young workers and the need to deter employers from such behaviour were key factors in the decision to commence legal action."

According to court documents, Crocmedia rectified the outstanding amounts outlined above at the end of May.

Read more in The Australian here.