The Australian Trainers’ Association (ATA) reminds Trainers of the mandatory requirement to pay strappers, stable hands and all staff employed in a stable, the correct pay rates.
The ATA has advised trainers on numerous occasions of these obligations and rates, and informed trainers last year of the national Audit being conducted by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO), following complaints of Minimum pay rates and underpayments set by the Fair Work Commission under the Horse and Greyhound Training Award (HGTA).
The Audit and Report released today by the Fair Work Ombudsman found that of the 86 Trainers audited, 60% were compliant and 40% non-compliant, with those non-compliant collectively recording a total of 50 contraventions.
Given that, prior to the Audit conducted by the FWO, the ATA had responded to many enquiries from Members concerning their employee obligations, particularly those in the eastern states (Vic, NSW, QLD), the ATA is disappointed with the FWO findings of non-compliant Trainers.
Furthermore, the financial penalties arising from back payments to staff can be severe and can have a serious negative impact on Trainers’ businesses.
Trainers are again reminded to contact the ATA Industrial Relations Manager, Wayne Lee, for information and clarification with any aspects of their obligations and compliance with the Fair Work Act, Pay Rates and Industrial Relations.
CLICK HERE to view the Fair Work Ombudsman's Results of Inquiries into the Horse Racing Industry.
