Fair Work Ombudsman
Citation: FWO-2025-09-09-sai-penalty-media-release
At a glance
- Respondent
- Sai Enterprises Pty Ltd
- Penalty
- $38,500
- Employees affected
- 3
What happened
Sai Enterprises Pty Ltd, formerly operating a United Petroleum outlet in Queenstown, Adelaide, and its former manager, Raman Monga, have been penalized by the Federal Circuit and Family Court. The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated the company after concerns were raised. The investigation revealed that Sai Enterprises failed to pay three international student workers a total of $2,668 in accrued annual leave entitlements. They also breached laws by failing to issue pay slips and lacking written agreements for part-time staff. The workers were back-paid after the investigation began.
What was decided
The Federal Circuit and Family Court imposed a $35,000 penalty on Sai Enterprises and a $3,500 penalty on Raman Monga. The court found that the underpayments were not trifling and that the shortfall would likely have gone undetected without the Fair Work Ombudsman’s investigation. The judge emphasized the importance of pay slips for maintaining minimum wage standards and deterring future non-compliance. This case is part of a series of legal actions against former United Petroleum outlet operators following a broader investigation into the network.
What it means for employers
Employers must ensure they pay all lawful employee entitlements, including annual leave, and provide pay slips within one working day. Failing to do so can result in significant penalties. Employers operating franchises or similar business models should be particularly vigilant in complying with workplace laws, especially when employing vulnerable workers like international students.
What it means for employees
Employees, particularly those on visas, should be aware of their workplace rights and seek assistance from the Fair Work Ombudsman if they suspect they are not being paid correctly. Pay slips are crucial for verifying pay and ensuring compliance with minimum wage standards.
Every statement above is drawn from the published decision. Read the original here:
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/2025-media-releases/september-2025/20250909-sai-penalty-media-releaseWant more cases like this?
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This summary was drafted by AI from the published decision and reviewed before publishing. It is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, speak to the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified lawyer. About these summaries & corrections →