The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against a Canberra-based electrical contracting business and its director.
Facing court is Canberra Electrical Solutions Pty Ltd and its sole director Tayfun Yildirim.
The regulator investigated after receiving requests for assistance from two workers the company employed on a full-time basis between February and October, 2023. One worker was engaged as an electrical labourer and the other was a junior apprentice, aged 18 at the time.
A Fair Work Inspector issued Compliance Notices to Canberra Electrical Solutions in September and December, 2023, after forming a belief the company underpaid both workers' minimum wages and annual leave entitlements, and that the electrical labourer was also underpaid overtime entitlements.
The workers' minimum entitlements were owed under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 and the Fair Work Act's National Employment Standards.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Canberra Electrical Solutions Pty Ltd, without a reasonable excuse, failed to fully comply with the Compliance Notices, which required it to calculate and back-pay the workers' entitlements.
It is alleged the total amount the company was required to pay to comply with the Compliance Notices was $7,156.
It is alleged Mr Yildirim was involved in the contraventions.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests are not complied with.
"Where employers do not comply, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order a business to pay penalties and make payments to workers," Ms Booth said.
"Employers should also be aware that the FWO is taking action to protect young workers, who may be vulnerable.
"Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance."
The FWO is seeking penalties in court for the alleged failure to comply with two Compliance Notices. Canberra Electrical Solutions Pty Ltd faces penalties of up to $46,950 per breach and Mr Yildirim faces penalties of up to $9,390 per breach.
The regulator is also seeking an order requiring the company comply with the Compliance Notices, including paying the alleged outstanding amounts to the workers, plus superannuation and interest.
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Canberra on 4 September 2025.
