Ten truck drivers who worked for an Adelaide transport company have been back-paid a total of A$374,000 following successful legal action by Australia’s Fair Work Ombudsman.

The drivers’ minimum wages and a range of other entitlements were underpaid between 2007 and 2009 by Largs North-based Atkins Freight Services, which transports bulk petroleum products into the Northern Territory, NSW and Western Australia.

 

After an investigation and legal action by the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Industrial Relations Court of South Australia penalised the company a total of A$93,000 and, in addition, ordered it to back-pay the 10 truck drivers their outstanding wages, plus superannuation and interest totaling A$374,487.

 

However, after Atkins Freight Services lodged an appeal, the company paid approximately A$468,000 to the Court, which held the funds in trust pending the outcome of the appeal.

 

After dismissing the appeal, the Federal Court made orders late last year allowing for the money to be released from trust and paid to the truck drivers.

 

The truck drivers have now received back-payments ranging from A$8,012 to A$91,566.