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Wage Claims Department

The NSW Branch's Wage Claims Department plays a key role in recovering unpaid wages and entitlements for union members.

The department has experienced and professional officers and staff.

Keryn McWhinney is the Co-ordinator of the Department assisted by Officer Pam Rodney and Assistant Christine Marshall.

Radhika Raju supports the Department as Research Officer along with Michelle Barnes in an administration role.

These officers negotiate wages settlements for members either direct with the employer or by application to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission or the Chief Industrial Magistrates Court.

Financial members can access the resources and any one of the following services through the union's Wage Claims Department -

• Pay slip checking -This is especially recommended for periods of annual leave and at termination. Many employers have been underpaying annual leave simply because their computer payroll system does not comply with the provisions of the construction award. Members can fax a copy of their pay slip to our Lidcombe office for checking.

• Inspection of the employer's time and wage books - Audits are done to check if the employers are paying correct wages and allowances to either individual members or a group of employees. Overtime underpayments are common with many employers, and meal or crib allowances are often missing from worker's wages.

• Sub-contractor advice and assistance, including advice on the Building & Construction Industry Security of Payment Act.

• Negotiation with employers, to settle claims faster and avoid lengthy court proceedings.

• Representation at Industrial Commission and Courts in cases where a negotiated settlement cannot be reached.

• Audit and recovery of Cbus and ACIRT entitlements not paid by employers. Many employers are not paying 9% superannuation on ordinary hours plus travel and other allowances - We can help check your superannuation calculation.

• Apprentice claims are given special attention as they involve young workers who are often intimidated and exploited more than adult workers. Apprentices who are new to the industry are often not aware that their employer is not paying them correctly.

• Assistance with recovery of long service leave entitlements from employers and the NSW Long Service Payments Corporation.

The Union also represents workers on the Building & Construction Industry Long Service Payments Committee and the Vocational Training Tribunal.

Over the last four years the CFMEU has recovered over $14 million in unpaid wages & entitlements on behalf of 5,600 union members.

Millions of dollars are also recovered each year by Union delegates and organisers' negotiations.

This valuable service is FREE for FINANCIAL MEMBERS - IT PAYS TO BELONG !

Members who have been underpaid can complete a Wage Claim form available here.