The wage problems,which occurred between 2012 and February 2019,came to light when the ABC realised that it had not paid some casual workers their correct entitlements,triggering an investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Fair Work ombudsman Sandra Parker said the ABC was improving its wage practices,including by committing to audits from a third party.
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"While the extent and duration of the underpayments are disappointing,the[ombudsman] acknowledges the ABC’s remediation efforts,such as its comprehensive back payment initiatives and its commitment to avoid a repeat of this failure,"Ms Parker said.
The $600,000 penalty is the highest"contrition payment"agreed between the Fair Work Ombudsman and an employer.
But the total repayment - $11.9 million - is considerably smaller than the $22.98 million the ABC set aside in last year's annual report for historical salary,wages and superannuation entitlements.
The ABC is meanwhile preparing to axe more than 200 jobs as part of an overhaul of its business structure that is occurringbecause of a funding freeze. The freeze is expected to cost the broadcaster $84 million over three years.