A TRADES assistant at Hoppers Crossing has been back paid almost $20,000 after complaining to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Inspectors examining his case found the man had been underpaid his minimum hourly rate and annual leave entitlements.

Fair Work inspectors raised the issue with the man’s employer, who voluntarily reimbursed the worker $18,800.

In other cases a transport worker in Werribee was reimbursed $13,480 for being underpaid minimum rates and allowances and a receptionist in Hoppers Crossing was reimbursed $9530 after the Fair Work Ombudsman found she had been underpaid weekend and evening penalty rates.

The complaints are among the cases finalised recently on behalf of workers in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Inspectors discovered the underpayments through a combination of routine audits and investigations into complaints from workers.

Fair Work Ombudsman executive director Michael Campbell said most of the underpayments were the result of a lack of understanding by employers of their legal obligations, including applicable Awards and pay-scales.

Mr Campbell said that in most cases the Fair Work Ombudsman did not prosecute employers for inadvertent breaches of workplace laws.

“However, employers need to be aware that they can face fines of up $33,000 per breach if we do take matters to court,” he said.

Employers or employees seeking up-to-date information on wage rates and conditions should visit www.fwo.gov.au or contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.