By Bridget Cook
THE former operators of two childcare centres in the south east have been fined over $100,000 for underpaying staff over five years.
La Kosta Childcare Centre and Kindergarten Pty Ltd, which formerly operated childcare centres at Branton Drive, Hampton Park, and Heatherton Road, Noble Park, was fined $85,000 and the owner Kosta Sterjov was fined a further $17,000.
Federal Magistrate Dominica Whelan imposed the fines after an investigation and prosecution by the Fair Work Ombudsman, prompted by a complaint from a former employee.
Federal Magistrate Whelan found that nine employees were underpaid a total of $116,230 between July 2005 and February 2010.
The employees, all women aged in their 20s and 30s, were underpaid the minimum hourly rate, annual leave entitlements, overtime pay and shift-work loading.
Federal Magistrate Whelan said the company had displayed “wilful negligence.”
“It is appropriate to remind other employers in this industry of the importance of ensuring minimum wages and conditions are met,” Federal Magistrate Whelan said.
The underpayments were rectified in full last year after the Fair Work Ombudsman launched its prosecution.
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s allegations against Mr Sterjov’s wife, Snezana, who owns the childcare centres, were discontinued.
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