Juice shops face pay probe
THE Fair Work Ombudsman is putting the squeeze on operators of a Geelong juice store, accused of underpaying 27 workers almost $40,000.
The Ombudsman yesterday announced it had launched legal action against the operators of Hello Juice outlets in Geelong and Werribee, accused of paying some workers as little as $10 an hour.
Operators Skypac Group Pty Ltd and Skypic Group Pty, along with the general manager of both stores, Hua Gong, are set to face the Federal Circuit Court for a directions hearing on November 15.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said alleged underpayments, breaching the Fast Food Industry Award 2010, were found by inspectors during self-initiated audits of the business.
“Enforcing compliance with workplace laws in the fast food, restaurant and cafe sector continues to be a priority for the Fair Work Ombudsman,” Ms Parker said. “Employers in this sector are on notice that they must pay all employees according to Australia’s lawful minimum pay rates.”
The Ombudsman has alleged a total of 27 employees were underpaid $38,458 during a period in 2017, with Geelong workers allegedly underpaid $23,902.47.
It is also alleged Ms Gong and Skypac Group Pty Ltd twice breached laws relating to cash-back arrangements by requiring a Werribee worker in her 30s to pay $1300 to cover part of a “rectification payment” and a “tax refund payment” made to her.
“Employers should be aware that the Fair Work Ombudsman takes allegations of cash-back breaches extremely seriously. Any employees with concerns should contact us,” Ms Parker said.
The Ombudsman is pursuing court orders requiring the employees to be back-paid in full — with some having allegedly been partially back-paid.
Ms Gong faces penalties of up to $10,800 per contravention for the Geelong store and $12,600 for the Werribee store, Skypic Group Pty Ltd up tor Brian Blood said the move would further bolster the automotive precinct along Fyans St and Moorabool St.
“If you’re looking for a car, Fyans St and Moorabool St is now your area,” Mr Blood said.
The site of the Winter & Taylor Holden dealership is to be developed. Winter & Taylor Isuzu in Corio will still operate. to $54,000 per contravention and Skypac Group Pty Ltd up to $63,000 per contravention.
The Ombudsman is also seeking court orders requiring the companies to commission independent audits of their wage payment practices and provide the results to the Ombudsman, and requiring Ms Gong to complete workplace relations training and register an account at fairwork.gov.au for advice and help.