ABC admits to underpaying 2500 casual staff as fair work ombudsman called in

The Fair Work Ombudsman has been called in after the ABC admitted to underpaying 2500 casual staff in the last six years.

The ABC Building in Ultimo, the broadcaster has admitted to underpaying 2500 casual staff. Picture: Damian Shaw

The ABC has admitted to underpaying about 2500 casual staff in the last six years.

Staff were notified on Thursday with Chief People Officer Rebekah Donaldson apologising and assuring the pay issue would be rectified as soon as possible.

It’s understood that both current and former employees are currently being notified and the broadcaster is reviewing it’s pay process.

The ABC’s Sydney building. The broadcaster has admitted to underpaying about 2500 casual staff. Picture: iStock

“This error should not have occurred, and the ABC apologises to any casual employee who has been underpaid,” Ms Donaldson wrote in an email to staff.

A statement published to the broadcaster’s website reads:

“The ABC recently identified that some casual employees have been underpaid.

“A detailed review is underway to confirm how penalties, allowances and loadings should have been calculated and applied over the past six years to about 2500 “flat-rate” casual staff.

“Current and former casual employees who might be affected are being notified and the ABC is reviewing its processes to address the issue for the future.”

Inside the ABC’s office at Southbank, Brisbane. It was found a Brisbane based digital news employee was underpaid $19,000 in 2018. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has been notified and the broadcaster says it’s working with the body to rectify the underpayments.

The Ombudsman told News Corp was contacted by the ABC to self-report noncompliance with its workplace obligations.

“The FWO will make independent inquiries of the ABC to assess the extent and nature of noncompliance, and ensure appropriate rectification for affected employees,” a spokeswoman said.

In December 2018 the ABC admitted to underpaying a casual employee $19,000 following a complaint from the Community Public Sector Union.

The Brisbane employee had been underpaid since 2016 and the finding prompted the broadcaster to undertake an extensive review of its casual employees.

“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,” an ABC statement read today.

“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.”

In December, in light of the Brisbane instance, the CPSU said it had conducted an audit of casual pay rates since August 2018.

It looked at contract terms, pay slips and rostering and found many casuals had been underpaid.

Any worker seeking advice or assistance can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman by visiting www.fairwork.gov.au or calling the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. A free interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.

Originally published as ABC admits to underpaying 2500 casual staff as fair work ombudsman called in