The former operator of a trolley-collection company at Wagga Wagga, in regional NSW, is facing court for allegedly providing false records to the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO).
The Fair Work Ombudsman has started legal proceedings against Sydney man Said Sabbagh and a company he formerly owned and operated, Civic National Pty Ltd. Mr Sabbagh had previously provided trolley collection services at three Woolworths supermarkets and a BIG W in Wagga.
As part of an inquiry aiming to ensure the correct payment of trolley collectors by the FWO in 2014, Civic National was audited and ordered to produce employment documents relating to employees. In response, Mr Sabbagh allegedly provided records that he knew contained false information relating to a number of employees, including in relation to hours of work and amounts paid.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says a decision was made to commence legal action because of the alleged deliberate nature and seriousness of the conduct. Mr Sabbagh faces penalties of up to $3,400 per contravention of workplace laws, while Civic National faces penalties of up to $17,000 per contravention.