Mosaic Brands Group has been found guilty of underpaying long-service leave to 223 workers.
Mosaic Brands pled guilty to 324 offences and was handed a fine of A$29,000 in a hearing before the Downing Centre Local Criminal Court.
In addition to the fine, Mosaic Brands has committed to engaging with an independent third-party to audit compliance with long service leave legislation.
The terms of the ruling require that the third party will be under the instruction of the NSW Government’s inspectorate unit.
A Mosaic Brands spokesperson told ragtader.com.au the company has fully cooperated and repaid staff.
“Mosaic Brands pays more than $140 million dollars in annual wages to its 3,000 plus strong team across Australia.
“These long service leave payments relate to a total of approximately $80,000 over six years.
“In imposing a $29,000 fine the Court noted that it was not deliberate, the company had fully cooperated and repaid staff.”
NSW Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis said she acknowledged the company’s commitment to correct payment procedures.
“Long-service leave applies to most NSW employees who are full-time, part-time or casuals. It is up to the employer to conduct their own internal compliance reviews on a regular basis to make sure they are paying long service leave correctly.
“I would like to acknowledge Mosaic Brands Limited and its subsidiaries commitment to ensuring they pay long service leave correctly.”
Mosaic Brands is one of Australia’s largest fashion retail groups with a network of 1,100 stores under brands, including Millers, Rockmans, Noni B, Rivers, Katies, Autograph, W. Lane, Crossroads and Beme.