Knowles v Bollore SA; Bollore SA v Knowles

Suzanne Knowles brought a claim against Bollore SA, seeking compensation for unpaid wages and superannuation. The matter was heard in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The primary dispute was whether Ms Knowles was an employee of Bollore SA and, if so, whether she was entitled to additional payments for unpaid wages and superannuation.

The court was required to determine the nature of Ms Knowles' employment with Bollore SA and whether there was a contractual obligation to pay superannuation. Additionally, the court had to ascertain whether Ms Knowles was entitled to unpaid wages and whether there were any mitigating circumstances that would reduce the amount owed.

The court found that Ms Knowles was an employee of Bollore SA, and therefore, was entitled to superannuation payments. The court also determined that Ms Knowles was owed unpaid wages. However, the court exercised its discretion to reduce the amount of unpaid wages payable to Ms Knowles due to her own conduct that contributed to the underpayment. The court ordered Ms Knowles to pay Bollore SA the amount of $16,703.30, representing the net amount owing after accounting for the reduced unpaid wages and other considerations.