Employers will be facing up to 10 years in prison and businesses will be fined $950,000 for wage theft if Labor government is re-elected in the November Victorian election.
It was announced at the Labor state conference on Saturday by the Victorian premier, Daniel Andrews, after increasing concern about wage theft and union campaigns.
Workers looking to recover wages will be expedited due to a simpler legal process with court fees being lowered and cases will be heard within 30 days.
It’s welcomed as a “game changer” by hospitality union, United Voice who said Victoria’s renowned cafe culture is made successful by workers who were having their wages stolen every day.