)
A MELBOURNE manufacturer will front court for failing to compensate an overseas worker it had unfairly dismissed.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal proceedings in the Federal Circuit Court against Monochromatic Engineering over an Iranian worker.
The service technician was in Australia on a 485 temporary graduate visa and later a 457 skilled worker visa when he was employed by Monochromatic Engineering between May 2013 and January 2015.
The business, which manufactures laser alignment instruments, allegedly ignored several requests by the Fair Work Commission to pay $27,124 compensation last year.
Company director and part-owner Zoran Crvenkovic will also face court for failing to comply with a Notice to Produce employment documents issued by an inspector.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says the agency plays an important role in enforcing orders issued by the Fair Work Commission.
"Our inspectors made extensive efforts to engage with this business to try to resolve the matter, but were not able to secure cooperation," James says.
"Compliance is fundamental for the integrity of the workplace relations system and employers should be aware that we are prepared to take action where appropriate."
Monochromatic Engineering faces maximum penalties of up to $54,000 each for two contraventions, while Crvenkovic faces fines of up to $10,800 each. The Fair Work Ombudsman is also seeking Court Orders to pay the compensation owed to the worker and legal costs.
A directions hearing is listed in Federal Circuit Court in Melbourne for August 19.
)
