The Fair Work Ombudsman will be conducting surprise audits of Korean fried chicken franchise Gami Chicken and Beer, after over 20 enquiries and random reports from employees were received.
The requests for assistance claimed underpayments, including of penalty rates, and failure to provide payslips.
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Inspectors will audit 19 stores across Melbourne, Sydney and Perth owned by both franchisees and the franchisor to ensure they are complying with payslip obligations.
“Fair Work Inspectors are today speaking with Gami Chicken employers, managers and employees to check that workers are receiving their full wages and entitlements. We will review pay records at 19 Melbourne, Sydney and Perth stores to ensure they are complying with important payslip laws,” Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said.
“Australia’s minimum pay rates are not negotiable and employers in the fast food, restaurant and café sector should actively check that they are paying their staff correctly. Franchisors must also take responsibility for ensuring that their franchisees are complying with workplace laws.
“Like many people working in the fast food sector, Gami Chicken and Beer staff are potentially vulnerable due to their age, cultural background or visa status. It is important for us to talk with these workers on the ground so they are aware of their workplace rights and that we can help them.”
The hospitality industry was again overrepresented in contacts to the Fair Work Ombudsman last financial year, with 18 per cent of workplace disputes recorded, a third of court actions and almost 40 per cent of all anonymous reports, despite representing just 7 per cent of the workforce.
More than $4 million was recovered by the FWO for workers from fast food, restaurant and café businesses.