Two international students working at a fast-food outlet in Sydney have been short-changed thousands of dollars.
The underpayments were discovered during a random audit of the business by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
The visa-holders, from India, were paid flat rates of $18 an hour for all hours worked.
Under the Fast Food Industry Award, they should have been paid $23.74 for ordinary hours, $28.49 on Saturdays, $33.24 on Sundays and $52.23 on public holidays.
They were underpaid $3820 and $3345 respectively.
The Harris Park business also failed to issue pay-slips.
It has received a formal Letter of Caution placing it on notice that further breaches of workplace laws may result in enforcement action.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says employers need to take the time to understand the wage rates applicable to their individual workplace.
"We have minimum pay rates in Australia, they apply to everyone, and they are not negotiable," she says.
"While most employers want to do the right thing, there are some who seek to gain a competitive advantage by exploiting vulnerable workers, such as visa-holders."
Ms James encouraged employers who had any uncertainty about whether their workplace practices were appropriate to visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for advice.
A free interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.
