Hidewood Signs and Print facing court action for alleged failings to pay former employee more than $25,000

An Albany signage and printing business — which claims to be a “real mum and dad company with no employees” — is in a legal battle with Australia’s workplace regulator after allegedly failing to pay a former employee more than $25,000 in unpaid wages. The Fair Work Ombudsman said in a statement on Friday it had taken legal action against Hidewood Enterprises Pty Ltd, operating as Hidewood Signs and Print in Albany, and the company’s director Pieter Berkelaar. Hidewood Enterprises was issued a compliance notice by a Fair Work inspector in July last year after a worker’s request for help led to an investigation. The inspector concluded the man was owed a total $25,672 in unpaid wages and leave entitlements under the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2020 and the Fair Work Act’s National Employment Standards. The worker was employed as a full time graphic designer at the business for 10 years until April 2023. The Ombudsman said Hidewood Enterprises failed to comply with the compliance notice, which required it to calculate and back-pay the worker’s entitlements. Mr Berkelaar, who is listed as a director-operator alongside Neeltje Berkelaar on the business’s website, is allegedly involved in the contravention. The Ombudsman is now taking the company to court over the alleged failure to comply, seeking penalties which could see Hidewood Enterprises dish out up to $46,950 and Mr Berkelaar up to $9390. The regulator is also seeking an order for the company to pay the alleged amount in full — plus interest. The matter is next due in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Perth on June 5. Hidewood Signs and Print’s website describes the business as a “real mum and dad company with no employees” run by Pieter and Neeltje Berkelaar who are “working the business at every level”. Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance while an interpreter service is available on 13 14 50. Employees can also seek information from their employer and their union if they are a union member.