The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched legal action against a Canberra electrical contractor and its director over alleged underpayments to two employees.
Canberra Electrical Solutions Pty Ltd and its sole director, Tayfun Yildirim, are accused of failing to comply with two Compliance Notices issued after the regulator investigated requests for assistance from two full-time workers employed between February and October 2023. One was engaged as an electrical labourer and the other was a junior apprentice, aged 18 at the time.
A Fair Work Inspector issued Compliance Notices to the company in September and December 2023 after forming a belief the pair were underpaid minimum wages and annual leave, and that the labourer was also underpaid overtime. The alleged minimum entitlements arose under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020 and the National Employment Standards.
The Ombudsman alleges Canberra Electrical Solutions, without a reasonable excuse, failed to fully comply with the notices, which required the company to calculate and back‑pay the workers. The total amount allegedly required to comply was $7,156. It is further alleged Mr Yildirim was involved in the contraventions.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests are not complied with. “Where employers do not comply, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order a business to pay penalties and make payments to workers,” Ms Booth said. “Employers should also be aware that the FWO is taking action to protect young workers, who may be vulnerable. “Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance.”
The FWO is seeking penalties for the alleged failure to comply with two Compliance Notices. Canberra Electrical Solutions faces penalties of up to $46,950 per breach and Mr Yildirim up to $9,390 per breach. The regulator is also seeking orders requiring the company to comply with the notices, including paying the alleged outstanding amounts to the workers, plus superannuation and interest.
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Canberra on 4 September 2025.
