Underpayment of wages to some of our Victorian colleagues 

Aruma undertook a review of its compliance with The Tipping Foundation and Vista, Disability and Child, Youth, Family Enterprise Agreement 2017. As a result of this review, 1,004 disability support staff in Victoria who worked for The Tipping Foundation before it became part of Aruma were found to have been underpaid more than $6.5 million from 2017 until 2021.

Underpayment arose because the payroll system did not always apply correct award interpretations in all instances when a staff member may have:

• Worked in excess of 6 consecutive days without a 24hour break;
• Worked a sleepover shift;
• Or worked less than the minimum 20 hour fortnightly part time shift.

Inadequate technology and manual process allowed these errors to build up from July 2017 to April 2021.

As part of the review process, in June 2021, Aruma voluntarily disclosed these errors to the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO).

Payment of money owed, including super and interest, to impacted staff was made throughout November 2022.  There are around 80 former employees we have not been able to connect with about this, and we are continuing to work with the Fair Work Ombudsman to resolve this matter.

These errors should never have happened. The organisation is sorry.

Aruma has now entered into an Enforceable Undertaking with the FWO to ensure its ongoing compliance with Commonwealth workplace laws. As a result of the Enforceable Undertaking, we commit to undertaking a number of activities to ensure our ongoing compliance.

If you worked for Aruma and have queries or questions relating to your employment, please contact foundationbackpay@aruma.com.au  or call 02 8825 2301.

Alternatively, anyone can contact the FWO via www.fairwork.gov.au or 13 13 94.